The new convertible four-seater Roadster prototype, which sped into the event, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds, and 0 to 100 mph in only 4.2 seconds. “This is the first time that any production car has broken nine seconds in a quarter mile,” Musk said. “The new Tesla roadster will be the fastest production car ever made – period.” On the other hand, the two Tesla Semi trucks, one silver, and one a Batman-ish matte black, will achieve 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. “It’s not like any truck that you’ve ever driven,” Musk said. The new Roadster has a top speed north of 250 mph and 620 miles (1,000 km) of estimated range on a single charge. “These numbers sound nutty but they’re real,” Musk insisted. “You’ll be able to travel from L.A. to San Francisco – and back – without recharging.” Musk described the Roadster as “a hardcore smackdown to gasoline cars” making driving a gasoline sports car feel like driving “A steam engine with a side of quiche”. The Tesla Semi can pull the max allowable payload of 80,000 pounds over a distance of 500 miles at highway speeds on one charge even if it’s fully loaded. It also comes with a million-mile guarantee on its powertrain. Another guarantee is a full refund if the windscreen doesn’t survive a thermonuclear blast Musk said it will be able to keep up a speed of 65 mph while going up a 5 percent grade. Prices of the new Roadster start at $250,000 for the first 1,000 cars that will start production in 2020, with later models starting at $2,00,000. This would help Tesla raise $250 million plus the $50,000 deposits on reservations. On the other hand, production of the truck is expected to start in 2019. While no price was released for the Tesla Semi trucks, it will be half the price of diesel semis and even less expensive than rail transport, said Musk. Customers who order now would get the vehicles in two years, Musk added. J.B. Hunt, trucking and freight company, after the unveiling announced that it had placed a reservation to buy “multiple Tesla Semi tractors,” which it plans to use primarily on the West Coast. “Reserving Tesla trucks marks an important step in our efforts to implement industry-changing technology,” J.B. Hunt President and CEO John Roberts said in a news release. “We believe electric trucks will be most beneficial on local and dray routes, and we look forward to utilizing this new, sustainable technology.” What do you think about the new Tesla Semi and Tesla Roadster? Do let us know about these vehicles in the comments section below. Source: Neowin
