Tesla Sues the BBC and Top Gear for Libel Against the Roadster

Tesla Motors announced yesterday that it has sued BBC's Top Gear TV show for “libel and malicious falsehood.” The American automaker’s action refers to a Top Gear episode aired on December 14 2008, when Jeremy Clarkson tested the Tesla Roadster.

According to Tesla, the show “contained lies and misinformation about the Roadster's performance, behavior and reliability.” Tesla Motors considers the breakdowns of the Roadster that allegedly occurred during the Top Gear episode were “staged” and that the statements made during the show are untrue.

More specifically, Tesla claims Top Gear misrepresented that:

1. The Roadster ran out of charge and had to be pushed into the Top Gear hangar by 4 men.
2. The Roadster’s true range is only 55 miles per charge (not 211).
3. One Roadster’s motor overheated and was completely immobilized as a result.
4. The other Roadster’s brakes were broken, rendering the car undriveable.
5. That neither of the two Roadsters provided to Top Gear was available for test driving due to these problems.

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Tesla Roadster Starts 3,000-Kilometer Tour in Australia

The "Oz Goes Electric" tour is an event staged by Tesla Motors with the aim of allowing fans from Australia's eastern coast to get a closer look at the electric-powered sports car. Starting from March 16, the Tesla Roadster will journey 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), which is the longest roadtrip ever to be undertaken by an EV in Australia, according to the company.

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Meet the Artega SE, Germany’s Answer to the Tesla Roadster

The world of electric sports cars may soon welcome a new member; the Artega SE. Revealed in pre-production form at the Geneva, the ‘electrified’ version of the Artega GT is powered by two electric motors mounted on the rear axle that develop a combined output of 280 kW or 380HP. Each motor operates independently from one another and drives one of the rear wheels.

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Tesla Losses Soar to $154.3 million in 2010, Despite Gains in Revenue

Tesla Motors has just released a preliminary, unaudited financial report concerning the year than ended on Dec. 31, 2010. The company reported losses of US$51.4 million in Q4 2010 and US$154.3 million for 2010, which was almost triple the US$55.74 million loss for the year ending Dec. 31, 2009.

The EV automaker's revenue, however, rose approximately 5 percent in 2010 to $116.7 million. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2010 were US$36.3 million, a 16% increase from the US$31.2 million reported in the prior quarter. Tesla added that gross margin improved to 26% for the full year 2010, up from 9% for 2009.

The company 's future plans include the launch of the Model S, which is scheduled to go on sale in the middle of next year. Scroll down to read Tesla CEO Elon Musk's statement.

“We are very pleased to report continued revenue growth, improving margins and a steady progression in our Roadster and powertrain activities,” said Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors. “Our powertrain team delivered solid results, with an increase in orders and record deliveries of battery packs and chargers for the Daimler Smart fortwo electric drive, the completion of our development program for the Daimler A-Class, and the commencement of the phase 1 development program for the Toyota RAV4 EV.”

“The highlight of the quarter was our on-time completion of the first drivable Model S alpha,” continued Musk. “The quality and level of refinement of the alpha demonstrates the superb job of our design, vehicle engineering and powertrain teams. They have embraced the opportunity to build an EV from the ground up and have produced a vehicle which shows great potential to deliver superior aerodynamics, stability and handling, crash safety, performance and range. We believe the Model S is well on its way toward becoming the vehicle of choice for 2012.”

9:42 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Tesla Losses Soar to $154.3 million in 2010, Despite Gains in Revenue

Tesla Motors has just released a preliminary, unaudited financial report concerning the year than ended on Dec. 31, 2010. The company reported losses of US$51.4 million in Q4 2010 and US$154.3 million for 2010, which was almost triple the US$55.74 million loss for the year ending Dec. 31, 2009.

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Tesla to Extend its Lineup with an All-Electric SUV by 2014

*Opening Photo: Tesla Model S

Lately, the folks over at Tesla have been very busy developing the upcoming Model S sedan and, together with Toyota, the all-electric version of the RAV4 compact SUV. But there’s more, as according to an LA Times report, the California-based automaker is also working on a small SUV of its own, currently named Model X.

Scheduled to go on sale by 2014, the new crossover model is said to offer more cabin space compared to similarly sized SUVs thanks to the electric powertrain, which, unlike an internal combustion engine and conventional transmission, needs less space.

Tesla hasn’t released any other information, but it’s quite possible that the Model X will follow in the footsteps of the Roadster and Model S. That means customers can expect good handling characteristics, multiple battery pack options to suit specific autonomy needs and a versatile interior. Last but not least, Tesla’SUV should also qualify for some kind of federal tax credit.

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Tesla to Extend its Lineup with an All-Electric SUV by 2014

*Opening Photo: Tesla Model S

Lately, the folks over at Tesla have been very busy developing the upcoming Model S sedan and, together with Toyota, the all-electric version of the RAV4 compact SUV. But there’s more, as according to an LA Times report, the California-based automaker is also working on a small SUV of its own, currently named Model X.

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Tesla Model S Road Testing Underway [with Video]

It has been a long journey, but it looks like the Tesla Model S all-electric sport sedan is one step closer to series production as the California-based automaker announced it is moving on to the final road tests. The first phase called Alpha, which began in 2010, includes both computer simulations and test-drives of prototype vehicles. There will be a Beta phase as well.

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Fulton Innovation Wirelessly Charges Tesla Roadster

A few days ago we brought you the news that GM will begin offering in-car wireless charging mats for mobile phones as an option from Q3 2012. These devices, that are making big waves at trade shows both in the U.S. and around the world, do away with the pesky cords and bulky adapters of old, replacing them with two conductive metal plates (i.e. one on the back of your phone and one in your car).

So imagine if you could charge your electric car this way. It should be simple, right? You’d just need to upscale it to suit charging a bigger battery. Well, at the 2011 CES technology trade show in Las Vegas, Fulton Innovation showed such a gadget by wirelessly charging the be-all and end-all of electric vehicles: the Tesla Roadster.

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Brabus Plugs into the Tesla Roadster with New Sport Green Package

In an effort to provide added value to its customers, Brabus’ Zero Emission division joined forces with German electricity company RWE and created the Green Package for the Tesla Roadster. Along with a host of exterior and interior upgrades, the 'green' package includes a quick charging station for the owner’s garage and 30,000 kilometers (18,641 miles) worth of electric power from RWE. And there’s more; with every purchase, buyers also receive a one-year pass for free use of all public RWE charging stations.

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3:36 PM | 0 comments | Read More

Brabus Plugs into the Tesla Roadster with New Sport Green Package

In an effort to provide added value to its customers, Brabus’ Zero Emission division joined forces with German electricity company RWE and created the Green Package for the Tesla Roadster. Along with a host of exterior and interior upgrades, the 'green' package includes a quick charging station for the owner’s garage and 30,000 kilometers (18,641 miles) worth of electric power from RWE. And there’s more; with every purchase, buyers also receive a one-year pass for free use of all public RWE charging stations.

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Tesla Recalls 439 Roadsters Over Potential Fire Hazard

Tesla Motors has initiated a voluntary safety recall on its battery-electric Roadster 2.0 and 2.5 models following the discovery of a potential fire hazard involving an auxiliary power cable.

The California-based automaker said it became aware of the problem after a single incident where an auxiliary cable "chafed against the edge of a carbon fiber panel in the vehicle causing a short, smoke and possible fire behind the right front headlamp of the vehicle."

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Tesla Recalls 439 Roadsters Over Potential Fire Hazard

Tesla Motors has initiated a voluntary safety recall on its battery-electric Roadster 2.0 and 2.5 models following the discovery of a potential fire hazard involving an auxiliary power cable.

The California-based automaker said it became aware of the problem after a single incident where an auxiliary cable "chafed against the edge of a carbon fiber panel in the vehicle causing a short, smoke and possible fire behind the right front headlamp of the vehicle."

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America's Sports Car: Corvette or Tesla

With the Independence Day holiday fresh in our minds, and our nation focused on the troubled and changing economic times, I thought it would be interesting to re-examine what we should consider to be America's sports car. Usually the Chevrolet Corvette immediately comes to mind when thinking of the quintessential American sports car.

Ever since the mid 1950's, the Corvette has symbolized what a classic American sports car should be. A two seater with a big engine up front, able to spin the rear wheels with just a foot on the floor. The Corvette has really come of age recently with the current Z06 model, and the introduction of the 200+ mph ZR1. These cars are lightweight and technically advanced, and worthy of the America's sports car crown.

But let's take a step back, and focus on the changing climate in America. With the auto industry in peril, and the world's focus shifting to more eco-friendly autos, perhaps there is another car to consider. A car from a new company that is working to become a new major player in America, and the world. Tesla Motors has emerged onto the automotive world scene with their Tesla Roadster, an all electric sports car that sprints to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

The Tesla is an electric car based on the Lotus Elise, but with an electric motor. The Tesla is six times more efficient than the average sports car while producing only 10% of the pollution. Tesla Motors is based in California, and is starting to open dealerships all around the US, and the world. At $109,000 the Tesla is not cheap, but you won't need to buy any gas or oil to maintain the roadster. Besides, the Corvette ZR1 also will set you back about $100,000, and is much less efficient.

The next release from Tesla, the Model S is going to have all of the performance of the roadster, but it will be a more useable four seat luxury all electric car. Tesla is already taking orders for the Model S so we are just a couple of years away from perhaps the most revolutionary American car debut since the Chrysler minivan.

If the Model S is well received, and America (and the world) embraces the new technology by installing charging stations along our nations highways, it may just change the way we think about cars. Being a sports car guy, I have always been leery of new hybrid and energy efficient alternative forms of transportation. I was always worried that they would take the fun out of driving. After having been in the Tesla Roadster, I no longer fear the new technology. It is truly an amazingly fast car, and it makes absolutely no noise when underway.

The Tesla Model S is going to sell for around $50,000 after the federal tax credit of $7500. That's pretty much the same as your average high line luxury sedan. The standard Model S will reach 60 miles per hour in just 6 seconds, while an optional sport version will achieve 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The top speed for the Model S is 130 mph. The Model S costs around $5 to drive 230 miles.

If the Model S is constructed as well as the Tesla Roadster, and has even half of its performance abilities, than we just might have a new great American sports car that we can all be proud of. Perhaps the day will come in the future when we have an all electric Corvette. For now, I think America has two great sports cars to call its own, the Corvette and the Tesla Roadster!

7:31 AM | 0 comments | Read More

America's Sports Car: Corvette or Tesla

With the Independence Day holiday fresh in our minds, and our nation focused on the troubled and changing economic times, I thought it would be interesting to re-examine what we should consider to be America's sports car. Usually the Chevrolet Corvette immediately comes to mind when thinking of the quintessential American sports car.

Ever since the mid 1950's, the Corvette has symbolized what a classic American sports car should be. A two seater with a big engine up front, able to spin the rear wheels with just a foot on the floor. The Corvette has really come of age recently with the current Z06 model, and the introduction of the 200+ mph ZR1. These cars are lightweight and technically advanced, and worthy of the America's sports car crown.

But let's take a step back, and focus on the changing climate in America. With the auto industry in peril, and the world's focus shifting to more eco-friendly autos, perhaps there is another car to consider. A car from a new company that is working to become a new major player in America, and the world. Tesla Motors has emerged onto the automotive world scene with their Tesla Roadster, an all electric sports car that sprints to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

The Tesla is an electric car based on the Lotus Elise, but with an electric motor. The Tesla is six times more efficient than the average sports car while producing only 10% of the pollution. Tesla Motors is based in California, and is starting to open dealerships all around the US, and the world. At $109,000 the Tesla is not cheap, but you won't need to buy any gas or oil to maintain the roadster. Besides, the Corvette ZR1 also will set you back about $100,000, and is much less efficient.

The next release from Tesla, the Model S is going to have all of the performance of the roadster, but it will be a more useable four seat luxury all electric car. Tesla is already taking orders for the Model S so we are just a couple of years away from perhaps the most revolutionary American car debut since the Chrysler minivan.

If the Model S is well received, and America (and the world) embraces the new technology by installing charging stations along our nations highways, it may just change the way we think about cars. Being a sports car guy, I have always been leery of new hybrid and energy efficient alternative forms of transportation. I was always worried that they would take the fun out of driving. After having been in the Tesla Roadster, I no longer fear the new technology. It is truly an amazingly fast car, and it makes absolutely no noise when underway.

The Tesla Model S is going to sell for around $50,000 after the federal tax credit of $7500. That's pretty much the same as your average high line luxury sedan. The standard Model S will reach 60 miles per hour in just 6 seconds, while an optional sport version will achieve 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The top speed for the Model S is 130 mph. The Model S costs around $5 to drive 230 miles.

If the Model S is constructed as well as the Tesla Roadster, and has even half of its performance abilities, than we just might have a new great American sports car that we can all be proud of. Perhaps the day will come in the future when we have an all electric Corvette. For now, I think America has two great sports cars to call its own, the Corvette and the Tesla Roadster!

7:31 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Electric Sports-Car Maker Tesla Gets $82.5 Million Investment

Tesla Motors Inc., maker of an electric sports car that can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, received an $82.5 million equity investment from a group led by Fjord Capital Management.

“It was an opportunistic investment,” Elon Musk, chief executive officer of San Carlos, California-based Tesla, said today in an interview at the Frankfurt Motor Show. “We were not looking for money.”

Daimler AG, which invested $50 million in Tesla this year along with Aabar Investments PJSC, the Abu Dhabi fund that’s the German carmaker’s biggest shareholder, contributed to the offering to keep its stake at just under 10 percent, Musk said.

The money may be used to fund Tesla’s establishment of retail stores globally. The company, which introduced its all- electric roadster in February 2008, was profitable in the second quarter, Musk said.

7:49 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Electric Sports-Car Maker Tesla Gets $82.5 Million Investment

Tesla Motors Inc., maker of an electric sports car that can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds, received an $82.5 million equity investment from a group led by Fjord Capital Management.

“It was an opportunistic investment,” Elon Musk, chief executive officer of San Carlos, California-based Tesla, said today in an interview at the Frankfurt Motor Show. “We were not looking for money.”

Daimler AG, which invested $50 million in Tesla this year along with Aabar Investments PJSC, the Abu Dhabi fund that’s the German carmaker’s biggest shareholder, contributed to the offering to keep its stake at just under 10 percent, Musk said.

The money may be used to fund Tesla’s establishment of retail stores globally. The company, which introduced its all- electric roadster in February 2008, was profitable in the second quarter, Musk said.

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2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

Tesla launched the new Roadster this week and is delivering to customers now. More than 1,200 current Tesla owners in at least 23 countries have logged over five million electric miles in their Roadsters. CHICHESTER, UK — Tesla Motors (TSLA) will unveil its next-generation sports car to the public this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The latest version of revolutionary electric sports car, Tesla Roadster 2.5.

‘Goodwood is one of the most beloved motoring events in the world and a highlight of the English summer – so it’s only appropriate that this iconic celebration will be the public launch of the latest Roadster,’ said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President of European Operations.

The Festival of Speed is the world's largest motoring garden party - a unique weekend that brings together a heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport 'royalty' to create the largest car culture festival worldwide. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb extravaganza celebrates all things automotive.

Its two newest Tesla Stores–in Newport Beach, California, and Copenhagen, Denmark–will open with evening receptions. Both will have the Roadster 2.5 on display. The 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 features improvements in design and technology, including a new front fascia, rear diffuser, improved seat comfort, sound dampening and an optional large touch screen navigation system with back-up camera.

Inside, the most significant alteration is undoubtedly more comfortable seats, which have larger bolsters and now include a lumbar support system. Interior noise has been reduced in several ways, including new sound-suppressing front fender liners.

Finally, Tesla has further modified the Roadster’s power-control system, adding unspecified hardware to permit “spirited driving” (which we presume means maximum electric power) in exceptionally hot climates.
Prospective customers can see the Tesla Roadster 2.5 at Goodwood or at the London showroom at 49-51 Cheval Place in Knightsbridge, near Harrod’s. Tesla is now delivering this latest version of the car in all Tesla markets in Europe, Asia and North America.

8:25 AM | 0 comments | Read More

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

Tesla launched the new Roadster this week and is delivering to customers now. More than 1,200 current Tesla owners in at least 23 countries have logged over five million electric miles in their Roadsters. CHICHESTER, UK — Tesla Motors (TSLA) will unveil its next-generation sports car to the public this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The latest version of revolutionary electric sports car, Tesla Roadster 2.5.

‘Goodwood is one of the most beloved motoring events in the world and a highlight of the English summer – so it’s only appropriate that this iconic celebration will be the public launch of the latest Roadster,’ said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President of European Operations.

The Festival of Speed is the world's largest motoring garden party - a unique weekend that brings together a heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport 'royalty' to create the largest car culture festival worldwide. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb extravaganza celebrates all things automotive.

Its two newest Tesla Stores–in Newport Beach, California, and Copenhagen, Denmark–will open with evening receptions. Both will have the Roadster 2.5 on display. The 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 features improvements in design and technology, including a new front fascia, rear diffuser, improved seat comfort, sound dampening and an optional large touch screen navigation system with back-up camera.

Inside, the most significant alteration is undoubtedly more comfortable seats, which have larger bolsters and now include a lumbar support system. Interior noise has been reduced in several ways, including new sound-suppressing front fender liners.

Finally, Tesla has further modified the Roadster’s power-control system, adding unspecified hardware to permit “spirited driving” (which we presume means maximum electric power) in exceptionally hot climates.
Prospective customers can see the Tesla Roadster 2.5 at Goodwood or at the London showroom at 49-51 Cheval Place in Knightsbridge, near Harrod’s. Tesla is now delivering this latest version of the car in all Tesla markets in Europe, Asia and North America.

8:25 AM | 0 comments | Read More

Tesla Partners Up with Toyota to Develop EVs, Acquires NUMMI Plant

Tesla recently finalized its purchase of the advanced (and apparently extremely clean) NUMMI production facility in order to build its upcoming Model S sedan. Tesla hopes to build as many as 20,000 units per year in the southern California facility that's capable of building one million units annually.

Other than some potential spin-offs using the Model S platform (like an electric GT), there's a lot of capacity. That's where Toyota steps in. Toyota and Tesla will be working together to develop electric vehicles. their parts, and the engineering behind them.

The new facility will hire up to 1,000 new employees initially from one of the brightest pools around: Silicon Valley.

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