Can this be real? (Yes, Elon Musk confirms) A sharp eyed Petersen Auto Museum visitor spotted an unbelievable performance spec on an information panel for the next generation Tesla Roadster. On it, there was reference to a “SpaceX Package” that could enable the new roadster to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 1.1 seconds! This is a street car. With 8.8 second quarter mile times, top speed of 250 mph or thereabouts and as mentioned, 0-60 in 1.1 seconds this is extraordinary performance.
Unveiled in 2017, the Roadster is the second iteration of the first car released by Tesla. Powered by lightweight lithium-ion batteries and a ‘Plaid’ powertrain, in which one electric motor powers the front wheels and two power the rear, the standard Roadster will reportedly be able to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in as little as 1.9 seconds.
“Demonstrating the versatility of electric power and adding extra distinction to the car’s already high performance, an announced SpaceX Package would outfit the Roadster with cold air thrusters positioned at the rear, allowing for a 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 1.1 seconds—a rate largely unprecedented among road cars.
This will result in 2.5 to 3 Gs for occupants of the car, which, as Elon Musk points out, is something to keep in mind if anyone inside has a medical condition.
On the other hand, it is interesting to note, the Tesla fan site that wrote this up, believes only rocket cars or Top Fuel dragsters can accelerate like this, but the fossil fuel crowd knows that’s not true, though it does take a very strong and highly modified car to perform at this level.
Hot Rod Magazine has an annual drag week with cars that must drive on the street between locations and then compete on various drag strips. Purpose built vehicles that stretch the definition of street car far beyond what most of us can envision have now broken into the high 5 second category in the unlimited class, but the one car that achieved that number is a race car with license plates as are all of the others in that class. Many run in the 6 and 7 second category.
Of course, the Tesla, is something you can park in your garage, drive on errands around town and then demolish all comers in a heads up race. This is definitely uncharted territory for production vehicles. Electric cars have mind boggling performance potential in otherwise normal vehicles.
We live in interesting times.
Source: Teslarati