The Tesla Roadster store opens in Los Angeles

If you happen to have $109,000 burning a hole in your pocket and are eager to buy a zero-emission, all-electric sports car, then you should go to the intersection of Santa Monica and Sepulveda boulevards (just near the 405) and walk into Tesla’s new dealership. Although calling it a dealership makes it sound like a run-of-the-mill car showroom. This is more like a retail outlet.

The store — owned and run by Tesla and covering 10,000 square feet — has gabled wooden ceilings and salaried (not commission-earning) staff. Owners can drink coffee and enjoy free Wi-Fi while enjoying a full view of the service bay. The decor looks as if it was designed by someone who usually does upscale restaurants. On one wall is a selection of colors the car comes in.

The Tesla Roadster runs on a pack of lithium-ion batteries that takes four hours for a full recharge. There was some trouble regarding transmissions, but the company has settled on a one-speed version. After the order is placed, it’s about a 16-month wait until the keys are handed over. And George Clooney will be one of the first to take delivery. Not because he’s famous, but because he put in his order quite awhile back. So far, Tesla has about 1,000 orders.

The showroom is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

— Colin Ryan

Photos: Tesla Motors

Comments

[claudio zampolli]

My opinion…you wasting time and money!
As long the oil is available it will be absolutely
no other alternatives, and I think you know
as well! You pin-pointing all the positive
advantages, but you should also list the apposite
so people can make there own opinions before
spending over 100 k for a car that after a few years
It may be obsolete and worthless.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger out of control?…because
he is ignoring the reality in this field.

[Jerry E. Ryan]

I have $125,000 budget to buy one here in Oklahoma.

First one you can send for the cash is a done deal.

Jerry

[Philip Beigbeder]

This is the finest electric car I have seen lately. It will seemingly lead the way for others and develop a standard in production qualities for the future of non polluting vehicles.

[Malik]

Telsa Motors should allow discounted prices to Veterans that have served in the Gulf War, Afghanstan, and Iraq. Cause I am a veteran against foreign oil, and I support this new technology. Also, its great that its being designed on the westcoast.

Malik
Sacto, CA

[Stephen]

Electricity is produced many, many ways and therefore when there is NO gasoline available at the pumps, or the price is so high that no average citizen can buy it I will be cruising in a luxury sports car charged up by solar or wind power generated electricity.
My choice of electricity suppliers are my own choice. And there is a vast choice.
Thank You Tesla motors. This is a more important invention than the wheel.