ELECTRIC AVENUE

Once a market rarity, the new Tesla Roadster is still a bolt of lightning—catch it if you can!

Tesla was cool way before it actually became cool. Some five years before Elon Musk became a household name in the mainstream automotive world, the manufacturer quietly released its debut consumer vehicle—the all-electric 2008 Tesla Roadster. After its low-production run of 25,000 units was sold, the company ditched the two-seater and redirected its efforts to perfect the now-iconic Model S. But the Roadster is back, and the 2023 iteration is rumored (by Musk himself) to have as much pep and spark as the fastest exotics in the world.

TESLA 2023 ROADSTER

Released as a concept car in 2017, the second generation Tesla Roadster officially hits the market as a ’23 model—and the wait was worth it. Engineers have refined it into one of the best performance cars in the world—according to Tesla boss Elon Musk. The exceptionally curvy and aerodynamic Roadster is said to finish the 0-to-60 sprint in 1.9 seconds, equaling the maker’s Model S, and top out at 250+ mph, faster than any production Pagani, McLaren or Lamborghini. But there’s more to the Roadster than just speed. Like every Tesla model, the Roadster is fully electric and features a 200-kWh battery that is believed to have a range of 620 miles under normal driving conditions. (Though tempting, pushing the car to its speed limits expends more energy.) It also features the minimalist but highly intuitive interior design of other Teslas, from the driver’s gauge cluster to the dashboard. That dash is equipped with an infotainment system boasting a Wi-Fi hotspot, Netflix, YouTube and other apps (for when the car is parked, of course). For comfort, there’s a removable glass-panel roof, which can be stored in the trunk, while the back seat—yes, this roadster is a four-seater—is perfect for stowing small packages. Ready to drive? The Tesla Roadster starts at $200,000. If you’re lucky, get your hands on the elite-level Founders Series for an additional $50K.