BRABUS customized Tesla Roadster gets space-age soundtrack

The era of the electric car is dawning and BRABUS isn't about to be left behind. Often gracing these pages with its high-performance adaptations of Mercedes Benz and other vehicles, the German tuning specialist has announced the formation of a new Zero Emission division which, as its first order of business, has produced a customization program for the Tesla Roadster EV that sets out to "define a potential limited edition as well as an individual tuning program for the Tesla driver". For the pilot concept, the electric engine and drive-train remain untouched but almost everything else gets a dose of cosmetic surgery - new matte white paintwork, new wheels, splashes of carbon fiber bodywork and yes, a sound-generator that not only simulates the noise of a V8 or racecar engine, but also gives drivers the option of cruising to truly 21st century sounds dubbed ‘Beam’ and ‘Warp’.

Having witnessed the Tesla ripping quietly up the hill at Goodwood in July, we can attest to the almost eerie nature of seeing the electric-sportscar in full-flight. While some might see the lack of noise as a bonus, prospective owners who find the car's silence to be at odds with its sporty performance may welcome the ‘space sound generator’... and might even like to see the addition of some thumping external speakers to let the rest of the world in on the experience. The volume of the sound is linked to the output of the electric motor to provide extra "realism", or at least leave you in no doubt as to when warp drive has been engaged.

The new BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels (7Jx18 in front and 8.5Jx19 at the rear) are shod with low-profile Pirelli P Zero Nero high-performance tires (215/35 ZR 18 in front and 255/30 ZR 19 at the rear) and carbon-fiber body enhancements include a BRABUS rear wing and rear diffuser, new air inlets and a front lip.

Daytime running lights have been integrated into the front grille and new entrance lights activated via a keyless fob or the door handle add another another space-age touch.

Inside the mid-engined two-seater customization options include handcrafted upholstery in lightweight leather and Alcantara (including the floor) and scuff plates incorporating an illuminated BRABUS logo.

The BRABUS Tesla Roadster customization concept will make its world debut at the Essen Motor Show 2008 which starts on November 29.