TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC
  1. TMC is currently READ ONLY.
    Click here for more info.

Tesla Roadster Sport Model

Discussion in 'Roadster 2008-2012' started by Palpatine, Jan 7, 2009.

Tags:
  1. Palpatine

    Palpatine Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Messages:
    1,354
    Location:
    Seattle
    #241 Palpatine, Jul 10, 2009
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2009
    It doesn't seem that complicated to me. In fact I think most people would naturally expect a Roadster Sport to slightly outperform a normal Tesla Roadster. That is what we are paying for on the Sport model.

    The way the actual numbers work out the acceleration of a non-Sport Roadster in performance mode equals a Sport Roadster in standard mode.
     
  2. ra-san

    ra-san Member

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2008
    Messages:
    296
    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    It still seems like you are misreading something. The sport model *does* always provide more power/torque when you floor it as compared with the non-sport model (unless power limited due to temp, etc).

    The sports model still has a performance mode because the components still has a temperature operating envelope, and performance mode will still allow operation further into that envelope, as well as allowing the batteries to be charged to max. This means performance mode, is still going to give better numbers on the same car than standard mode (at least while the batteries are topped off, and before the PEM overheats completely).

    Even without that though, it operating in its standard mode (batteries not charged >80%, stricter thermal limits) is about as fast (according to these reports) as the normal roadster operating under the loosened conditions with batteries charged to 100% (they can give a bit more power discharge at the top of their charge).
    It of course gets even faster when you set it to performance mode.

    All that said, I wouldn't put too much meaning into a catchy off-the-cuff quote and instead just think of it as the same car, same system design, but with the higher power motor and the other PEM/ESS 2010 improvements, plus the suspension change.
     
  3. Tdave

    Tdave Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2008
    Messages:
    760
    Location:
    Owings Mills, MD
    This is my understanding. It would be useful to know the numbers. I just never assumed that performance was that much greater at 100% charge than 90% charge. It would have to be a 15% increase in power (voltage, right?), and I don't think it's that much. That's what would be required for the Sport at 90% charge to be equal to a non-Sport at 100% charge. Other than the thermal limits, which don't matter for a single 0-60 run, the state of charge and the max performance capabilities of the two cars, are the only two variables that affect what we're trying to measure here.
     
  4. TEG

    TEG Teslafanatic

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2006
    Messages:
    21,703
    Not sure where to put this, but decided here based on the title:

    First Drive: Tesla Roadster Sport

    (Could have gone in regarding the NY store, or 2010 models as well)
     
  5. Palpatine

    Palpatine Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Messages:
    1,354
    Location:
    Seattle
  6. TEG

    TEG Teslafanatic

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2006
    Messages:
    21,703
    Did you get your question about seat stitching color answered?
     
  7. SByer

    SByer '08 #383

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2007
    Messages:
    1,068
    Location:
    Cupertino, CA
    After two months with the car, I find the steering wheel and non-power steering just about perfect - so I think that complaint in the review is an "it's different than what they're used to" thing. The only time I wish different is making that turn out of the driveway after backing out of the garage.

    I'm a touch jealous of the adjustable suspension, as I have found a couple of places on the junky San Jose streets that could use the suspension in my '08 a bit stiffer.
     
  8. Palpatine

    Palpatine Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Messages:
    1,354
    Location:
    Seattle
    It was described to me. But I have not seen the pictures of the seats yet. I was told it will be black with white lettering.
     
  9. Tdave

    Tdave Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2008
    Messages:
    760
    Location:
    Owings Mills, MD
    #249 Tdave, Jul 18, 2009
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2009
    The performance tires on the black wheels look nice! Also, is that a different bracing arrangement on the underside of the hood?

    Is that the only Sport badging? Nothing different on the back?

    Exec leather seems to be missing from around the instrument cowling. (And no contrast colored steering wheel)
     
  10. Palpatine

    Palpatine Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Messages:
    1,354
    Location:
    Seattle
    I have no idea on sport badging. Those were the only pictures Ted took with his cell phone.

    As for the missing executive leather elements, I cannot really tell from the pictures. Contrast stitching does appear to be there.
    The picture of the steering wheel only shows a small corner of it, but it does not reveal the lower half that should be the second color (red).

    This car was just a glider when those pictures were taken. Many some elements are finished in Menlo Park.
     
  11. Lancelac

    Lancelac 2010 Roadster Sport #690

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2008
    Messages:
    159
    Location:
    Chicago
    What's the latest word on when the CF hardtop will be ready?
     
  12. Palpatine

    Palpatine Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Messages:
    1,354
    Location:
    Seattle
    This was about a month ago. John Rokos told me the first batch of carbon fiber hardtops did not meet their standards, so they were sent back to the company that does that work. They are not putting pressure on this company because Tesla Motors wants it done right, not fast. That is the approximate summary of what I remember. No time frame provided.
     
  13. Palpatine

    Palpatine Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Messages:
    1,354
    Location:
    Seattle
    I heard from TEG that my Roadster Sport had a sign on it today that indicated ready for shipping.

    Truck picks it up on Wednesday and expecting delivery late Thursday.
    Wayland Invitational starts Friday in Portland Oregon.

    It feels like December 23rd or 24th to me right now.:biggrin:
     
  14. graham

    graham Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2007
    Messages:
    1,573
    Location:
    Aptos, California
    Congrats, James!

    This is very exciting!
     
  15. Tdave

    Tdave Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2008
    Messages:
    760
    Location:
    Owings Mills, MD
    I'm excited because of the anticipated flood of new information on the Sport we're about to get this weekend and next week. James, I'm looking forward to vicariously living your first impressions.
     
  16. Lancelac

    Lancelac 2010 Roadster Sport #690

    Joined:
    Nov 17, 2008
    Messages:
    159
    Location:
    Chicago
    Congrats. I too am eagerly looking forward to your impressions as my setup, coming next month, will be close to identical.
     
  17. doug

    doug Administrator / Head Moderator

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2006
    Messages:
    16,843
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    Roadster Sport unique badging

    Looks like there's also a contrasting "S" in the "TESLA" stitching on the seats.

    3784534122_8b228d30da_b.jpg
    Door sills

    [​IMG]
    Rear bumper

    [​IMG]
    contrasting "S" on the seats

    Does anyone have a photo of the special badging on the PEM cover?
     
  18. TEG

    TEG Teslafanatic

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2006
    Messages:
    21,703
    James, I don't recall seeing anything special on the PEM cover, or that rear bumper badge. Am I forgetting?
     
  19. Palpatine

    Palpatine Banned

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2008
    Messages:
    1,354
    Location:
    Seattle
    There is nothing special on my rear bumper or PEM.
    Only the door sill and the S on the seat is a different color, although I am not sure if the S is a sport thing or a 2010 thing.

    I was told they forgot to put something on my car and they are sending it to the local service manager in Seattle. But I forget what it is.
     
  20. doug

    doug Administrator / Head Moderator

    Joined:
    Nov 28, 2006
    Messages:
    16,843
    Location:
    SF Bay Area
    I'm not sure myself, but I've only seen it on Sport models:

    3575451084_cbf6f29fea.jpg
    VIN502 Sport

    3783726495_e57d5f8047.jpg
    James's car

    3663960250_c62d312c51.jpg
    UK premiere Sport

    [​IMG]
    beakmeister's car
     

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.
  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC