Tesla Roadster Breaks Ground by Recording Time at Goodwood

LONDON, July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Tesla Roadster to be First Production Electric Car to Set Time on Hill Climb at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Electric carmaker Tesla Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSLA) today announced that the Tesla Roadster will be the first production electric car to record a time in the prestigious Hill Climb event at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, held at Goodwood Estate, Chichester, West Sussex. The car's participation in this event marks yet another historic "first" for the Tesla Roadster.

Goodwood Festival of Speed (http://www.goodwood.co.uk) is the largest car culture festival in the world, with an atmosphere of luxury and excitement pervading its celebration of historic and contemporary motorsport. The Hill Climb event is a highlight of the Festival, combining a diverse and authentic array of cars and motorbikes with a star-studded line-up of drivers. Only the most significant cars in the history of international motorsport are invited to participate in the Hill Climb, which takes place on the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House. The Tesla Roadster (http://www.teslamotors.com/roadster), accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and traveling over 200 miles on a single charge, sets a high bar for both zero-emissions vehicles and supercars, proving that drivers need not compromise on performance or design to go electric.

"Tesla is deeply honoured that the Roadster is the first production electric car invited to set a time in the Hill Climb," said Gian Avignone, Tesla's Country Manager for UK and Ireland. "The Roadster's performance is sure to bring a new dimension to this year's Festival."

Goodwood Festival of Speed runs from Thursday, June 30 through Sunday, July 3. On Friday and Saturday, the Roadster will engage in two Hill Climb practice sessions, with the final two timed runs on Sunday. A 2011 Roadster Sport also will be shown in the Supercar Run each day at approximately 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla's goal is to create the most compelling car company of the 21st century, while accelerating the world's transition to electric vehicles. Based in Palo Alto, California, Tesla designs, manufactures and sells EVs and EV powertrain components. Tesla has delivered more than 1,650 Roadsters to customers world-wide, and through its strategic partners is powering thousands of additional EVs. Tesla Roadster owners have driven almost 11 million cumulative zero emission miles. Next year, Tesla plans to begin deliveries of the Model S, the world's first luxury sedan to take full advantage of an all electric powertrain.

Tesla Media Contact

Myra Pasek, myra@teslamotors.com, +1-415-987-6972
Roberto Toro, rtoro@teslamotors.com, +44-7841-816-653

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