Damon Hill to drive Tesla Roadster

Posted on 07/28/2008 under: Motorsport, Roadsters, Technology

Formula One World Champion, Damon Hill, will be driving the Tesla Roadster, the first electric sportscar to go on sale in Europe, in the GreenFleet Capital Arrive ‘N’ Drive 08 event, which will start on London’s Horse Guards Parade on 31 July, 2008. The challenge aims to promote the latest innovations to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the British capital.

The Tesla Roadster will feature amongst the 20 public and private sector drivers taking part, and Damon Hill will lead the competitors as they drive the 33 mile-course, demonstrating the use of electric power as a viable alternative to conventional fuel sources. By 2020, Prime Minster Gordon Brown would like all new cars sold in Britain to be electric or hybrid, producing no more than 100g/CO2 per kilometre.

For the challenge, the new two-seater sportscar will be fitted with a tracking device, which will enable spectators to monitor the progress of the Tesla Roadster as it navigates its way around London.

Excited about taking part in the event, Darryl Siry, senior vice president of sales, marketing and service, Tesla Motors said: “It is a huge privilege for Damon Hill to present the Tesla Roadster to car enthusiasts on the capital’s streets. This will be a perfect opportunity for people to witness high performance and fun motoring without the need to compromise the environment.”

Production of the new car has started at the Hethel-plant in Norfolk, UK, and the first models have been delivered to customers in the USA. A total of 250 fully-loaded European specification Limited Signature Edition Tesla Roadsters are now on sale, each priced at €99.000 (excluding VAT). Customers can make a reservation on the Tesla Motors website (www.teslamotors.com), with customers due to receive the Roadster in the UK in May, 2009.

Source: Tesla