2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5

The electric sports car gets updated with new wheels, more-comfortable seats, and a redesigned front end.

Electric-car maker Tesla has updated its Roadster for 2011, quelling rumors that the two-seater would disappear next year. The revised car, called Roadster 2.5, has freshened styling and equipment changes to make it more livable for electro enthusiasts. The company says the modifications were driven by feedback from owners of the 1200 Roadsters already sold.
The Roadster 2.5 wears a new front fascia with a revised grille opening, aerodynamic winglets, and extra vents ahead of the front wheels, as well as a restyled rear diffuser. New seven-spoke forged wheels are available in black or silver for $2900. Tesla says the updated look previews future styling from the brand; indeed, this Roadster evolution does bring it more in line with the upcoming Model S.
Additional cockpit sound insulation and linings in the front fenders are meant to keep road noise out of the cabin, something that’s more noticeable, in our experience, because of the Roadster’s quiet powertrain. Tesla says a revision to the power-control hardware will improve hot-weather performance, but doesn’t elaborate any further on how that is achieved. Otherwise, the car’s mechanicals are the same as last year.
Inside, the Tesla earns retouched interior trim and new seats that the company claims are more comfortable, with bigger bolsters and more lumbar support. The new Electronics Bundle, comprising a seven-inch touch-screen navigation system with back-up camera, costs a cool $4500. Along with the improved sound deadening, the updates should make it easier to live with the Roadster on a daily basis.
Tesla is taking orders for the revised Roadster 2.5 now with deliveries to begin soon. The entry price is unchanged at $109,000. Owners of older Roadsters will be able to buy some of the upgrades from Tesla dealerships to retrofit their cars.