Tesla opens doors in UK

The good news is that British Tesla fans won’t have far to travel, as the US firm’s new garage (right) is based in London’s swanky Knightsbridge district, just a short stroll from the famous Harrods department store. To mark the occasion, Tesla gave its new European-ready Roadster and uprated Roadster Sport a public airing.

Boasting a new push button gearshift, a bigger boot and an even lighter carbon fibre frame, both are powered by a lithium- ion battery, which gives the Roadster a 0-60mph time of only 3.9 seconds, and a zero-emissions range of up to 211 miles on a single charge.

Prices start at £94,000 when the new models go on sale later this year, rising to £103,000 for the Sport. A right hand-drive version will be available next spring, followed by a new Model S saloon in late 2011.