Brabus-Tuned Tesla Roadster Sounds Like a Mustang, a Racecar, or a Ray Gun?
The world’s first all electric supercar, the Tesla Roadster, is set to get an update from German super tuners Brabus; a package that includes appearance tweaks to the interior and exterior, as well as a fascinating sound package for the near-silent EV.
New wheels and tires, a carbon-fiber front lip spoiler, and a “futuristic” lighting package are all very nice for the Tesla, but we’re most interested in the “space sound generator” that will come equipped on each Brabus Roadster. The tuning house is seeking to give the Tesla a more exciting, albeit completely faked, running sound with electronically produced effects. Owners will be able to set their Tesla to make noises approximating a V-8 engine, a racecar engine, or “two futuristic soundscapes.” Those last two effects are named “Beam” and “Warp,” and we’re absolutely chomping at the bit to hear them in action—we’re looking into the matter as of this writing, don’t worry.
This type of piped in sound is a feature that Hybrid and EV makers have been discussing for a hot minute now, and could lead to a class of vehicles that are aurally dissimilar from anything we’re used to today. It’s a topic that causes some deal of fretting from auto enthusiasts and one that we’ve dealt with in some measure before (click through the link below to get our own Chris Paukert’s take on the subject).
Have a look at the gallery of Brabus Tesla Roadster images above and stay tuned for more information, as we have it, about the tantalizing sound generator. You’ll find the full press release below.
World Debut at the Essen Motor Show 2008
The Very First Tuned Electric Car Comes From BRABUS:
BRABUS Customization Program for the Tesla Roadster
The first tuned electric car comes from BRABUS: The first project of the future cooperation between Tesla Motors, Inc. and the new BRABUS business division Zero Emission celebrates its world debut at the 2008 Essen Motor Show. BRABUS presents an exclusive customization program for the Tesla Roadster, the world’s first electrically powered production sports car.
The new BRABUS logo with added lightning bolt is the trademark of BRABUS Zero Emission vehicles.
To give the sports car a more exciting sound the BRABUS electronics specialists have developed a ‘space sound generator.’ The occupants on-board the Tesla Roadsters can choose from several simulated engine sounds including that of a typical V8 combustion engine, a racecar engine and two futuristic soundscapes named ‘Beam’ and ‘Warp.’ The volume of the sound is dependent on the momentary power output of the electric motor.
A custom-tailored BRABUS tire/wheel combination further improves handling characteristics. The two-seater is refined with weight-optimized BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels in size 7Jx18 in front and in size 8.5Jx19 in back. BRABUS technology partner Pirelli provides the corresponding P Zero Nero high-performance tires in size 215/35 ZR 18 in front and in size 255/30 ZR 19 on the rear axle. These tires were developed to deliver minimum rolling resistance.
The two-seater also receives an even more striking exterior at BRABUS. The customization measures include a special high-quality ‘matte white’ paintjob. To give the mid-engine sports car an even more enticing face the BRABUS designers treat the front apron to a lightweight carbon-fiber front lip and daytime running lights integrated into the front grille. Matte-white surrounds for the headlamps add interesting detail to the overall effect.
The sides of the Tesla are upgraded with BRABUS entrance lights shaped like futuristic space lights. They are activated with the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle. BRABUS carbon-fiber air inlets add even more sporty flair. Immediately apparent in the rear are the BRABUS rear wing and the BRABUS rear diffuser, both made from light yet extremely strong carbon fiber. The round taillights are accentuated further by matte-white applications.
The BRABUS customization program for the Tesla Roadster also includes exclusive interior options. The range of products starts with scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo. They are integrated into the top of the rocker panels.
The company-own BRABUS upholstery shop masterfully handcrafts exquisite custom interiors for the Tesla. The designers chose a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS perforated lightweight leather and Alcantara. The cockpit features white seams to reflect the exterior color. The vehicle floor is also upholstered with lightweight leather for added exclusivity.
The goal of the BRABUS customization concept for the Tesla Roadster is to define a potential limited edition as well as an individual tuning program for the Tesla driver.
Comments
Mena
The end times are near when Brabus, most known for their HORSEPOWER upgrades for Mercedes Benz, turns to cosmetic upgrades on an electric car. I guess judging a book by its cover will become the norm in the near to far future.
Jamie
I'm sure people will think the ability to have customisable piped sounds is just a frill - but in fact it's very useful and should probably be made mandatory.
In China there are electric scooters now everywhere, as in some towns the petrol ones have been outlawed. (As have plastic bags - you know the Chinese are really doing some smart things these days.)
As a result there's been a surprising number of pedestrian accidents; these things have zero engine noise. (In fact you can't actually tell it's turned on until you twist the throttle and it moves - I got shocked the first time I rode one.)
A scooter is one thing; it's low mass, they have a top speed of 40 - 60 kph depending on model and rider and the front is soft plastic or fibreglass.
But an entire electric car is another thing. Accidents with electric scooters would become fatalities with electric cars.
I hope they look into this soon.
Mena
The thing is that modern cars don't make hardly any sounds either. Most of the sound you here from outside of a car is tire and wind noise not the engine note. People don't like noise in their cars, that's why new cars are increasingly more quiet. Electric cars will STILL make noise from their tires and people should be able to hear them coming. I could see accidents with scooters because their tires are MUCH smaller than a car tire and wouldn't make as much noise.
Anonymous
I drove an electric golf kart in and around a Budweiser plant daily for 7 years. Electric vehicles are super dangerous only because people are used to hearing a certain sound from an approaching vehicle. The electric cars do make some noises(tires, regulator/motor whine, etc) but it is not what people/bicyclists are used to hearing. They also accelerate at an alarming rate with 100% of max torque from 0 rpm. There will be a learning curve and unfortunately quite a number of bicyclists and pedestrians will end up dead or injured.
A Tesla will end up being driven hard(at times) in the hills, driving that really should be reserved for the track.
As for the Brabus tweaks: Shame on Tesla for adding some LED's, a tacked on tiny ricey looking useless rear wing, some cheap looking wheels, and throwing a BRABUS badge at the car from across the room. I would blame the Google twins for letting this happen. RUF would have done some REAL tweaks to the car. In the fatherland RUF is known for making supercars and Brabus is known for bling. Sorry if the truth hurts. Smart is about to release a Brabus "For Two" in the US. Does Tesla want to be associated with a Smart "For Two"?? OUCH!
I kind of like the For Two Passion as a city kick around car but where is the stick TDI that gets 80mpg????
Anonymous
OH, and those headlamp covers just look silly. That approach is about FIFTEEN years outdated.
Tesla, your car is not selling and people are backing away from orders because it costs 2-3X too much. Us Lotus Elise/Exige owners are laughing out loud as you try to market our cars with a FUGLY body, and an electric drivetrain at about three times the cost of THE ORIGINAL.
Felix
These are mostly cosmetic ideas, Brabas is a tuner. What about tweaking the motor controller or adding batteries? Nice headlight treatment, the rear spoiler and added lights are a bit gimmick for a $100k supercar. I'm surprised Brabas didn't provide a more form developed body kit but maybe Tesla didn't want the carbon fiber bodywork "molested". I wonder why they hire a trained designer and then go outside for work.
barrywind
Hmmm... On my list of 'fake' things I hate on cars:
Hood scoops, louvers, brake ducts, etc. that serve no function -- Like the fake hood scoop on the new turbo MINI or the old Subaru Impreza with over a half-dozen hood piercings [Do body shops have to double the cost to paint those hoods?].
BS exhaust pipes and tips -- too many to list here, but the worst are dual exhausts on inline fours and sixes. Throw on two pair of twin-tips to make 3 out of 4 exhaust outlets superfluous.
Fake sounds -- BMW Z4 with its tuned ports to let engine compartment sound resonate into the cabin; MINI programmed snap, crackle, and pop sounds on coast [MINI folks don't feel I'm pickin' on you, 'cause I have an '05 S], and now totally synthisized sound with the Brabas. However, I smell a totally lucrative aftermarket brewing...
-Barry
engineblox
Love it! This is something that lets a Tesla owner stand out from the crowd.
Bethany - Hoteles En Barcelona
Yahooo! It looks like something unbelievable! And this blue lightenin makes it more misterious, this is the one that can should be called infinity, though Tesla Roadster has also something proud in the name)))
familytram
Brabus did a really great job tuning the Tesla Roadster.I personally would want to hear how that sound really sounds like.
Microsoft Training
The thing is that modern cars don't make hardly any sounds either. Most of the sound you here from outside of a car is tire and wind noise not the engine note. People don't like noise in their cars, that's why new cars are increasingly more quiet and my car making lots of noises from inside that's why i am thinking to replace it after my 70-646Microsoft Certified Professional (PRO) exam which I had already prepared completely and I hope to pass in first attempt as I have already pass my 70-643for Configuring Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure with high score and my previous exam 70-640Windows Server 2008 Active Directory with high score from reliable IT Training service provider after this I was looking to attempt some more Microsoft certifications to make my self as world best Microsoft Training provider because in near future I’m thinking to start my own training center, as well as we were talking about car noises then almost all new cars are coming with no voice and really smooth to drive.