Tesla unveils faster Roadster Sport

By Martin LaMonica on 12 January 2009, 10:36am

For all you well-heeled auto fanatics, there's good news: Tesla Motors has made a faster car.

The luxury-electric-car maker on Sunday lifted the curtain on the Tesla Roadster Sport at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Tesla said it has begun taking orders for the $128,500 (£86,000) sports car, which will be available in the US late in June. UK availability and pricing have not yet been announced.

The Roadster Sport has a bit more zip off the line than the original rocket-like Roadster, Tesla's first electric car, favoured by tech tycoons and Hollywood types.

The Sport accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds, leaving the original $109,000 (£73,000) Roadster (0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds) a few steps behind.

The Roadster Sport is notable for another reason besides performance: the powertrain in the car will be the same as that used in the Model S, a four-door, electric, luxury sedan that Tesla intends to start making in 2011.

At the auto show, Tesla rival Fisker Automotive is also expected to unveil the production version of the Fisker Karma, a plug-in, hybrid, luxury sedan expected to be available in the US by the end of this year.

Fisker is also planning to show off a new concept car on Monday, reportedly called the 'Sunset'.