Next gen Roadster

[Doug_G]

If Tesla comes out with a radically different Roadster, more luxury and less sports, that might be a good thing for all of us in terms of eventual resale value of our cars. Not that I'm in any hurry to sell!!!

 

[dsm363]

Even if they kept the car exactly the same and only added keyless entry and a moveable steering column, that would make a really big difference.

 

[vfx]

Even if they kept the car exactly the same and only added keyless entry and a moveable steering column, that would make a really big difference.

And assisted cruise control

 

[Doug_G]

Even if they kept the car exactly the same and only added keyless entry and a moveable steering column, that would make a really big difference.

Keyless entry isn't a big deal. A moveable (or at least higher) steering column would be. Or a lower spedometer. :tongue:

 

[Jaff]

Couldn't agree more on the adjustable steering column guys!

 

[ljbad4life]

I think the skateboard design, if/when the roadster transitions to it would be such a good thing
1)more room obviously! Not only for a biggger trunk, but for more "luxury" features like a power retractable roof!
2) improved range! If tesla shares the same battery packs across the all the lines (model s, model x, and roadster), then the possibility of having a 300 mile model s pack in a roadster that weighs 1,000lbs less! How much range would be gained?!?

 

[qwk]

2) improved range! If tesla shares the same battery packs across the all the lines (model s, model x, and roadster), then the possibility of having a 300 mile model s pack in a roadster that weighs 1,000lbs less! How much range would be gained?!?

If they use the skateboard chassis for the roadster, It should weigh more that the current generation roadster.

 

[ljbad4life]

If they use the skateboard chassis for the roadster, It should weigh more that the current generation roadster.

Perhaps I wasn't clear. I never compared the weight of current gen roadster to the next gen roadster. I was comparing the weight of a Model S (with a 160, 230 and 300 mile range) and the next gen Roadster (using the same pack, with less seats, doors etc).

 

[dsm363]

I tried searching to see if this had been posted already or not but this article in bizjournals.com quotes Elon Musk about arrival of next generaltion Roadster

MM: The Roadster will be retired in 2011. Will there be another one after that?
EM: There are plans for another Roadster, but no sooner than late 2013.

 

[smoothoperator]

Personally I like the simplicity of the current roadster. I love the climate control system and the manual seats etc.

 

[Stealth MD]

any idea when the roadster replacement will be available? 2013? 2014?

 

[JRod0802]

any idea when the roadster replacement will be available? 2013? 2014?

I think in the Q4 investors conference call (which took place in mid February this year), Elon said that it would be at the very earliest, one year after the Model S went into production, making it Mid-2013 at the earliest. Does anyone else remember hearing this?

EDIT: After reviewing the transcript, I must have read / heard about that somewhere else. There doesn't seem to be any mention of it there.

 

[zack]

The sales staff I've talked to have said that the Roadster might be revisited at least a year after the Model S, and elsewhere I've read that they are skipping both 2012 and 2013 for sure. I suppose there's a chance it will never be reintroduced.

 

[dsm363]

I don't think they'll introduce something as small as the Roadster but more similar to a Porsche Turbo with a small back seat, easier to get into and out of and movable seats/steering column.

 

[TEG]

I have no idea what they plan, but I am guessing that they might make something much bigger, sharing components with Model S.
Maybe something more like this size:

or this:

 

[Stealth MD]

I also heard that it would be bigger, and more comfortable. AWD possible as an option, but RWD standard. Elon said that it would be more of a competitor to the 911 Turbo.

Here's one article I found:

REPORT: Next Tesla Roadster aims at 911 Turbo with AWD and usable space Autoblog

 

[tdelta1000]

Have there been any new developments on the new Roadster front?
Or is Tesla Motors(TM) waiting for the Model S to hit the streets?
I think it would be nice to see at least a new drawing of the upcoming Roadster.

 

[Lloyd]

It would be great to see photos of the new design!! I don't think we well see anything until they are completely done with the existing roadster, and well underway with the model S so not to detract from existing sales.

 

[AnOutsider]

I also heard that it would be bigger, and more comfortable. AWD possible as an option, but RWD standard. Elon said that it would be more of a competitor to the 911 Turbo.

Here's one article I found:

REPORT: Next Tesla Roadster aims at 911 Turbo with AWD and usable space Autoblog

from there:

Although we've known for some time that Tesla plans to base future models on the Model S platform – ranging from a base model to a full-fledged GT – the automaker's been tight-lipped about the specifics of future sports cars. However, Musk let it slip during an interview that a 911 Turbo shares a space in his garage with a Roadster, and he loves its ability to schlep the kiddies to school in its diminutive back seats. Inspired, Musk said that the next Tesla sports car would be a 2+2, boasting 10% more room for rear-seat passengers and 50% more trunk space than the 911, along with all-wheel drive. Additionally, the Model S' flat architecture means that styling won't be completely influenced by the drivetrain, allowing for "greater functionality with avant garde, aggressive" styling. Although this new coupe's future is largely dependent on the success of the Model S, if Tesla can keep the lights on and continue R&D, we might see the GT as early as 2012 or 2013.

OK, by "GT" in the last sentence, do they mean a new roadster, or a performance version of the Model S?

 

[vfx]

...OK, by "GT" in the last sentence, do they mean a new roadster, or a performance version of the Model S?

Kinda a trick question. Yes it is a Roadster since it's a sports car and new by not having anything to do with the Lotus derived platform. And since it uses the "skateboard" from under the Model S and Model X, one might say that it is a performance version of the model S. Though from the description I don't think much of the actual Model S bodywork would apply.