Brabus Tesla
German tuner takes its hand to the electric roadster
Rather than making loony saloons such as the Bullit, Brabus has thrown its tuning expertise at a rather more unlikely recipient - the Tesla Roadster, unveiling its efforts at the Essen motor show.
There's no performance or mechanical tweakery - 248bhp, 280lb ft and 0-60 in 3.9sec will have to do for now - with the most intriguing change being the introduction of engine noise. Brabus has introduced a 'space sound generator', which offers up all sorts of options, chief among them (and probably most people's favourite) is a V8 combustion-engine sound. There's also a race car sound, and two options called 'warp' and 'beam', apparently. Not too sure about those...
Cosmetically, there's plenty of ways to tell it apart from your stock, £92,000 Tesla. Head and taillights are changed with some add-on Halfords-effect LEDs at the front. There's an additional rear wing plus a diffuser, while alloys are upgraded to 18in at the front and 19in at the rear. Inside, the interior is plushed-up via some lightweight leather and splashings of alcantara.
No word on whether this one'll make production, but some of the big names in the US currently awaiting a Tesla are sure to find the idea of some tuning appealing.
For more highlights from Essen, click here.
