Tesla's new 250mph Roadster will keep a Bugatti Chiron honest

Tesla’s electric surge began with a Roadster in 2008 but the new version, for production in 2020, will be leaving that for dead in the performance stakes. Its figures are mind-blowing: 0-60mph in 1.9 seconds and 0-100mph in 4.2 seconds. A Koenigsegg One:1 needs about 4.5 seconds to reach the ton. 

Over the 400m (quarter mile) dash the Roadster, says Tesla, will be the first production road car to beat nine seconds, with a time of 8.9 seconds. The Tesla’s top speed is said to be 250mph.

Another record, according to Musk, will be the Roadster’s driving range. With a 200 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, its range is said to be over 600 miles on a single charge. 

At the launch in Los Angeles, the Tesla chief told his audience: “Driving a gasoline sportscar is going to feel like a steam engine with a side of quiche.” 

All that and what can only be described as a very cool look for the new car, which has an electric sliding targa-type roof panel to convert it from coupe to convertible. Oh, and the truck’s not bad looking either…

It’s still three years from production, says the firm, but deposits are being taken now. Price for the car is said to be around £150,000.