Tesla Roadster Underperforms In Speed Test Without ‘Rocket Thruster’

The update by Tesla CEO Elon Musk that the new Tesla Roadster’s 0-60 mph acceleration will be 2.1 seconds unlike the previously stated 1.9 seconds that will be applicable only to “rocket thruster option” has drawn criticism.

This implies an underperformance of Roadster sans thrusters.

Many analysts noted with surprise that this contradicts what Musk said while unveiling the Roadster. That time Musk was flaunting a list of insanely impressive specs including 0-60 mph acceleration in 1.9 secs and 620-miles of range among others.

It was clear to everyone who heard Musk those were “base specs” and higher versions going to be crazier.

SpaceX package Vs base option of Tesla Roadster

Later on, Musk started talking about a Tesla SpaceX package comprising cold air thrusters to boost the performance of Roadster to higher levels.

In the latest take, Musk asserts that new Tesla Roadster’s 0-60 mph acceleration at 2.1 seconds will become the base option.

During the launch, when Musk said 1.9 seconds is what “we are achieving now” and the prototype did not have any “rocket thrusters” at that time.

Roadster price and launch

Regarding the market launch, the expectation was that Tesla will bring Roadster to market by 2020 as the fastest production car on the market.

However, Musk is now silent on the timing of Roadster production. This is despite ongoing reservations for the base version of Tesla Roadster carrying a price tag of $200,000.

The advance booking requires a down payment of $50,000 as a deposit. For Founders Series there is a mandatory $250,000 as an upfront deposit.

But Tesla can take comfort that the Space X option in no way dilutes Tesla’s repute for fast cars. Tesla is synonymous with fast electric cars.

The entry-level Tesla Model 3 is considered the slowest. Even Model 3 is no laggard if we scan the details here.

The Standard Range version of Model 3 will zoom to 0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 5.6 seconds. In the same segment, top line Tesla Model 3 Performance accelerates 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds.

· Standard Range (2019) - 5.6 seconds

· Standard Range Plus (2019) - 5.3 seconds

· Long Range RWD (2019) - 5.0 seconds

· Long Range AWD (2019) - 4.5 seconds

· Performance LR AWD (2019) - 3.2 seconds

Top 10 fastest cars

In the list of top 10 fastest cars in the world, Tesla Model S P100D shares the number one spot with three others.

· Ultima Evolution Coupé, Tesla Model S P100D, Dodge Challenger SRT Demon

· Bugatti Chiron

· Ariel Atom 3.5R

· Rimac Concept One

· Koenigsegg Regera

· Hennessey Venom GT

· Caterham 620R

· Tesla Model S P90D

· BAC Mono

· Ferrari F12tdf, Lamborghini Aventador, Porsche 911 Turbo S

Tesla sued for the unexpected acceleration of Model X

Meanwhile, the acceleration point also got Tesla into a lawsuit by a woman who alleged that a 2019 Model X electric crossover malfunctioned and accelerated unexpectedly causing her serious injuries.

The lawsuit of Mallory Harcourt charges that the vehicle pinned her and she was pregnant for eight months. The incident led to hard injuries in the limbs and she had a premature delivery.

Harcourt of Santa Barbara, California alleged that on December 27, 2018, she traveled home in her Tesla Model X after buying groceries and her two-year-old toddler son was with her.

Harcourt alleges that she drove into the garage and parked the vehicle. She then exited to remove her son from the car seat. Then she thought of changing his diaper before carrying the groceries in and kept the Tesla's doors open.

As the toddler turned around, it dashed into the driver's seat of the Model X. Harcourt was before the car and the vehicle menacingly lurched forward and pinned her against the wall.

The lawsuit states that the woman’s leg broke and pelvis fractured and led to the premature delivery of her daughter.

Harcourt said neighbors rushed to the garage hearing her screams and helped to reverse and turn off the Model X to free her.