Tesla Motors is planning an IPO soon according to a Reuter’s report. However at this point it’s still not clear when that will be although the company had previously stated it won’t happen in 2009. In fact, this rumor has been around for sometime, but in case you didn’t notice, the stock market wasn’t doing that well until recently.

Tesla has been ramping up development of its all-electric Model S sports sedan and building selling Tesla Roadsters as quick as they can make ‘em. Of course the $597.5 million in funding that the company raised this year probably helps.

The bulk of that cash influx, $495 million, came from a Department of Energy loan. Daimler also came through with $50 million in exchange for 10% ownership of the young startup, while another round of funding earned Tesla $82.5 from Daimler, Fjord Capital Partners, Aabar and other undisclosed investors.

A Tesla spokesman dismissed the report as a “rumor or speculation” which very well could be the case. But if the company keeps on the its current path, whenever the IPO does happen, the company will probably not have any trouble finding investors.

What if someone hits the clutch while their tires are squealing? Less engine, more squeal. But if you recorded the tires squealing in the real world, chances are that the engine noise is inseparable from the squeal. Even if you can deconstruct the sound, it’s a lot of work and the end result isn’t as good as the real thing.

So it’s no wonder that some game designers from Microsoft jumped at the chance to use a Tesla for recording game audio. No engine noise and careful mic placement means you can get tire squeal, or any other audio component of driving, almost completely isolated. Now, I know you guys aren’t really that hot for the details of audio production, but I know you like fast cars. And it actually is pretty entertaining to see a Tesla with so many big hairy mics on it that it looks like a pussy willow.

The audio guys are working on the new Forza and Project Gotham Racing titles, and I wouldn’t be surprised if those games will be praised for their audio. A few good samples and they can tweak them to their hearts’ content. I don’t know whether the Tesla will be in either of the games, but adding the sound should be easy if they decide it should be.

The details of this Roadster’s little adventure are at the Tesla blog, where you will be regaled with all the tidbits about mic placement, clapboards, and that sort of thing. Sounds like it was a lot of fun. Thanks to Tom Burt for offering up his Tesla.

Posted on instrutables.com by mrfixits just in time for the Halloween season, this non-powered radio unit will react to all sorts of stimuli. Sound waves, lasers, radio pulses, even lightning storms! And for output, you get all sorts of spooky sound effects that I’m sure you can find a use for. It plugs straight into your computer’s audio jack, letting you record and manipulate whatever crazy sounds this thing generates. Make one if you’ve got the time and electronics know-how. If it doesn’t end up working, you’ll have a really nifty steampunk paperweight.

Things are looking rosy for the company. They got a fat loan from the government, they’re coming out with two new models (the Model S and the Roadster Sport), and the electric car business is getting bigger every day. While I plan to buy an electric from one of the majors when they finally get around to it, I’ll feel indebted to Tesla for helping pave the way.

[via El Reg]

We all knew that Mercedes had electric car intentions when Damiler purchased a stake in Tesla a few months back. However it’s doubtful that this SLS has seen significant Tesla development just yet. Mercedes did buy that stake to gain access to the quick development cycle that inherently come with small companies. This car has probably been in the works for a while now.

The design is purely Mercedes Benz, but underneath is more Moon Rover meets Tesla. There are four electric motors placed just inside the suspension system that propels the car to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. (The Roadster does it 3.9 seconds, btw) A row of batteries extends down the center of the vehicle’s frame in a Chevy Volt-fashion that doesn’t interfere with the car’s weight distribution and helps keep the center of gravity sports car-low.

We’re curious to hear what the cars range will be. The presser didn’t mention anything, but the four, smaller motors might translate into a similar range as the Tesla Roadster which has a higher capacity lithium-ion pack, but one large motor.

HP freaks should be content with the 392 kW output which translates into 525 HP. With that much horsepower, it seems like the 0-60 time should be a tad better, but we’re all slowly learning that electric cars are tuned differently than their gasoline counterparts. For instance, the new Tesla Roadster Sport features a hand-wound stator which increases the amount of current that passes through the motor and decreases the 0-60 speed from 3.9 seconds to 3.7 seconds.

Still, performance is measured differently by everyone and we’re curious to see how this car whips around the track with the batteries down the center, motors at each wheel and no transmission thanks to the electric drive. This SLS AMG is likely going to set the bar very high for electric supercars for sometime. It’s just a shame that the everyday man will not be able to enjoy this zero-emissions sports car as it’s likely going to be priced up in the stratosphere. It’s probably not that hard to develop a viable electric car when price is no object.

PRESS RELEASE:

New swing-wing model with purely electric high-tech drive system: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive – the exciting future of the super sports car

Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is paving the way ahead: with the new SLS AMG with electric drive, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is developing an exciting super sports car with zero-emission high-tech drive. This model sees Mercedes-Benz and AMG displaying their expertise in the development of alternative drive solutions for high-performance super sports cars, delivering further proof of their pioneering status in this market segment.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGwith electric drive transforms the vision of powerful and locally emission-free super sports cars into reality thanks to an innovative drive system: powerful forwards thrust is provided by four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm. The four electric motors are positioned near the wheels, substantially reducing the unsprung masses compared to wheel-hub motors. One transmission per axle transmits the power. This intelligent all-wheel-drive system allows dynamically optimised power transmission without any losses by means of Torque Vectoring – in other words the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels. In its first pilot phase, the SLS AMG with electric drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery of modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds

When it comes to dynamics, the electrically driven SLS AMGdelivers an unequivocal statement: the swing-wing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds – putting it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with a 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp.

“With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car. For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMGperformance,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity

The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the new swing-wing model was being developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, the four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned near the wheels and very low down in the vehicle. The same applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats. Advantages of this solution include the vehicle’s low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling, which the electrically powered SLS AMG shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

Key data at a glance:

	Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive
Max. output	392 kW
Torque	880 Nm
0-100 km/h	Approx. 4 s
Rated capacity	40 Ah (at 400 V)
Energy content	3x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the swing-wing model’s aluminium spaceframe body. And there were just as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort that are hallmarks of Mercedes cars.

Strategic alliance for fast electrification of the car

The electrically powered SLS AMG sees Mercedes-Benz and AMGcontinuing to pursue their aim of minimising the amount of time it takes to bring about the electrification of the car. Their strategic involvement in Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG, will provide the battery technology required in future. Daimler has the leading role in this joint venture for the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications.

Maybe the 0-60 mph in 3.9-second Tesla Roadster isn’t quick enough for some folks. Maybe some trust fund babies want to spend an extra $20k to improve that time to only 3.7-seconds. Well, Tesla unvealed the Roadster Sport today at the companies first NYC dealership just for them. This model will cost $128k. We already knew that this model was coming – along with the NYC dealership – but how about a quick recap?

The new Sport model features a a hand-wound stator and the winding density was increased. The hand winding allows more wires to be used within the electromagnet, which in turns allows for more current to hit each segment increasing the current. The higher current then spins the attacted rotor faster and sends the Tesla Roadster Sport to 60MPH faster than a $194k Porsche 911 GTS. And remember, the all-electric Tesla doesn’t use any gasoline while kicking the pants off of a Porsche.

The U.S. Government created a requirement that by 2020, the majority of cars sold here must get at least 35 miles per gallon. This requires a big commitment on the part of auto makers and so the Energy Department was authorized last year to lend $25 billion dollars. The first round of financing is expected to be announced today with Ford, Nissan, and Tesla getting all getting a sizable chunk during this first round. GM and Chrysler both wanted a bunch of money too, but neither fit the criteria of being a “financial viable” so they were disqualified for this first round.

Nissan hasn’t announced how much the Japanese automaker has requested from the U.S. Government, but we know that Michigan-based Ford and California-based Tesla Motors Inc. are expected to get $5 billion and $450 million respectively.

This $25 billion fund was approved by Congress in 2008 to help auto makers retool facilities and speed up development of more energy efficient vehicles. It was the Government after all that decided that vehicles needed to reach an average of 35 miles per gallon by a random date instead of the natural evolution of development and technology.

Nissan, a Japanese-based company, requested money to help develop and build a car that will run a 100 miles on battery alone. This car will be built in Japan initially, with the possibility that the Smyrna, Tenn will build it eventually.

Ford is seeking a total of $11 billion from the fund, but only might get $5 billion during the first round. The money will be used to bring more battery powered vehicles to the market, including a vehicle for commercial use by 2010 (A Ford Transit plug-in maybe?) and a plug-in hybrid by 2012.

We’ve known for a while that Tesla was seeking money from the fund to help with the Model S all-electric sedan. The $450 million that the California-based company has applied for would go to help build the manufacturing facility need to make that car. We wonder if the pending lawsuit against both Tesla Motors Inc. and CEO Elon Musk might delay future funds seeing as there is that “financial viable” clause.

It’s only fair that the U.S. Government is helping auto makers with this money after declaring that by 2020, the vast majority of their autos must be 40% more fuel efficient than they are currently in order to be sold within its borders. We just hope, as taxpaying US citizens, that there is a requirement that the funds will be used to employee Americans who are building cars and parts for the American market. It is after all our money being used.

Looking to take a Tesla electric car for a spin, are ya? Lucky you, as the company will be opening seven sales centers this summer — four in the US and three abroad. You’ll be able to take a test drive in New York, Seattle, Chicago, and Miami, along with London, Monaco, and Munich.

New York, Seattle, Chicago, and London will open later this month, with Miami, Monaco, and Munich coming a bit later. Full press release below:

Tesla Motors to Open Seven Sales & Service Centers This Summer

Prospective Customers Can Test-Drive Electric Sports Cars in New York, Seattle, Chicago, Miami, London, Monaco and Munich

SAN CARLOS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tesla Motors will open seven regional sales and service centers in upcoming weeks, establishing a coast-to-coast network in North America and a solid retail footprint in Europe.

Stores in New York, Seattle and Chicago will open in late June, followed by Miami. The new additions will complement Tesla’s flagship stores in Northern and Southern California, which opened a year ago. Tesla is also scouting locations in Washington DC and Toronto.

Tesla’s first European store will open in London later this month, followed by Munich and Monaco.

Tesla takes its showroom cues from Apple, Starbucks and other customer-focused retailers. Tesla stores provide a welcoming spot to surf the Web, test drive cars and learn more about Tesla, the only production automaker selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe.

“We are rethinking almost every aspect of the automobile – from the powertrain to the customer experience, both online and in our stores,” said Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk.

Store locations and hours are updated online. The showrooms are centrally located to allow quick access to nearby highways and suburbs, giving prospective owners an opportunity to experience Tesla’s best-in-class performance under a range of driving conditions.

The Tesla Roadster beats nearly every other car for acceleration yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius. With an EPA-estimated range of 244 miles per charge, it costs roughly $4 to refuel and can be completely recharged in as little as 3.5 hours.

Teslas consume no gasoline, never need routine oil changes and require far less maintenance than internal combustion engine vehicles or complicated hybrids. They also qualify for numerous incentives, which significantly lower their total cost of ownership compared to gas guzzlers.

New Jersey, Arizona and Washington, for instance, waive sales and use taxes on EVs, resulting in an immediate savings of $10,000 or more compared to a conventional car. Combined with a $7,500 US federal tax credit and lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline, the Roadster has a lifetime cost advantage of at least $25,000 over a gas-powered sports car with a similar sticker price.

Last weekend Tesla delivered its 500th Roadster in the United States. In late June, Tesla will begin producing the Roadster Sport, a higher performance electric supercar that does 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. European Roadster deliveries begin this summer.

Apparently Bill Clinton was mere moments away from picking up chicks experiencing the finest in green transportation all over Burbank, California in a Telsa Roadster. Jeremy Snyder, general manager of the Los Angeles Tesla Store, handed a set of keys to Mr. Clinton at the end of a President’s Day luncheon after the former president expressed interest in driving a Roadster.

At that point, however, secret service agents informed Clinton that it was time to leave. Come on, Secret Service – it was President’s Day! That’s like your bonus birthday if you’ve ever been the president before. Let the guy have a little fun, eh? Apparently during lunch “President Clinton announced he was eager to take the Roadster for a ride around the block.”

Around the block – come on!

President’s Day with a President [Tesla Motors Blog via TreeHugger]

They’re not going to be resting on their laurels, though (assuming they have any); they’re also working on a 4-door sedan, the Model S, and are working with Daimler AG to produce an electric Smart car. By the time those are out (2011-ish), the majors will have their electric feet planted as well, so let’s hope Tesla’s early start will give them a fighting chance.

Bad news for treehugging gearheads this morning. Tesla had originally planned on opening a new facility in San Jose to build the Model S electric sports sedan, but the financing fell through. (Welcome to America, Tesla) So as it stands now, the company is going to redirect a $450 million government loan that was originally going to help build the facility into the general budget which will help with the Roadster development.

Tesla still optimistically plans on building the BMW 5 Series electric fighter, but who knows when that will be. However, the company does plan on revealing a fully functional model on March 5. I wanna drive it. Can I drive it? Please?

Plasma Boy Racing via dvice

Before the government loan, the company was having a hard time fulfilling customer’s orders. A good amount of people had placed deposits well in advance but the company simply could not pump out the electric cars fast enough. Now, many people have reported that Tesla is calling ‘em up and telling ‘em that their order have been unlocked from the deposit. In order to re-lock it, they have to commit to the new – and more expensive – options. Shady, Tesla.

While Clarkson seems pretty straightforward about the cars both failing in some way or another, Tesla says that neither car got below 20% charge at any time and the other problem was a minor fuse issue that was fixed without delay.

Okay, it has to be said now that Top Gear is an entertainment show. I have no idea just how much is staged and how much is made up on the spot, but it sure isn’t journalism. They played lawn darts with cars, for god’s sake. They dramatize the strengths and weaknesses of the cars to make a better show, and when the Teslas slow down or fail, they make that into a segment. So the car was up running again in five minutes? Lucky they’re on TV and have engineers ready to replace a fuse! It’s a real problem if you’re on the highway. And unless Tesla is prepared to say that the Top Gear writers and editors fully made up the other Roadster running out of juice, they’re really in no position to complain at all.

This is funny. It’s like an algebra nerd lining up next to a cocky track star to race, and everyone laughs and laughs, but then someone says “woah, that nerd’s on fire.”

Unfortunately, it won’t be doing much to help Tesla’s image. The embattled electric vehicle manufacturer is having enough trouble getting its car on the road without having to worry about (more) performance concerns. The Tango only beat the Tesla by a quarter of a second, and the Tesla had a higher top speed (so we can attribute this mostly to weight), but prospective buyers won’t be happy to learn that their ride has the same amount of pickup as a dorky econocar.