Vehicle: 2011 Tesla Roadster Sport 2.5 with Infotainment Group
Price as tested: CDN$147300
Performance: Many would have thought an electric roadster is an oxymoron. The Tesla is the testament to what the best has to offer, regardless of whether its an electric or gasoline-powered counterparts. In Tesla’s case, it has 375 volts of batteries packed in the mid-ship configuration. This 375 volts of batteries provide 288 ponies and 295 lb/ft of torque. All have done seamlessly with 3 different mods. Because of the relatively lightweiht 1200kg Tesla has to carry, its able to move the Tesla in only 3.7 seconds on our Sport model. Another amazing fact about this lithium ion battery is that its able to go 390km in only 3 hours. All have done without sacificing the performance prowess of this roadster.
Handling: Other than the Tesla is blindingly quick, its chassis is based on the Lotus Elise. Since the Elise is famous for its lightweight and docile dynamic qualities, the extra weight of the batteries don’t pay much penalty when it comes to weight. The Elise has got to be the sharpest roadster I have ever driven. Since Tesla doesn’t come with any of those rack-and-pinion or electric-powered steering, its only standard with manual steering. You won’t find any steering that provides better feel and feedback, its sharp and responsive without feeling twitches. Except for the steering weight is a bit hefty on low speed, this steering is damn perfect. Thanks to its rear-wheel-drive/mid-ship configuration’s 50/50 perfect balance, it toss into corners like riding on rail. Add to the fact that the stability control is uninstrusive, it makes Tesla roadster one great driving sports car. The body rolls and understeer are non-existence, while oversteer is easy to control. All have done without losing the comfortably compliant ride quality, even if our Sport is riding on A048 low-profile tires. Dynamically speaking, its the most fun I have for such a long..long time.
Brakes: Even with regenerative braking, Tesla’s pedal feel is firm and solid. It doesn’t have the usual spongy one associates with hybrid nor electric-driven vehicles. ABS doesn’t step in necessarily wraps up the entire amazing dynamic package.
Interior: All you got inside the Tesla is the true driver’s environment. A great set of sports seats with a superb Momo steering wheel, which provides tons of grip. The dashboard is wrapped by nicely stitched leather. The climate control is simple and initutive. If there is one drawback, its the steering that doesn’t tilt and telescope.
Conclusion: The Tesla roadster simply blown me away. It all starts with a great chassis, which provide awesomely sharp handling. The level of performance provides by the batteries can easily eat those Porsche, Ferrari and Lambo away easily. Add to the fact that you can save the maintenance costs on gas-powered counterparts, along with the performance advantage. Astounishing is just an understatement. It is simply the most fun I ever have with any sports car, electric or not. 
In the meantime, Tesla Roadster is now joining the ranks of Audi R8, Porsche 911 GT3-RS, Nissan GT-R and Ferrari 458 Italia as Directshift’s must have car list.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Tesla Roadster S
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5