Tesla Motors Inc. has selected BorgWarner Inc. for the production of a single-speed gearbox for the Tesla Roadster and is initiating a ramped-up production rate.
So far, 27 customers have taken delivery of Roadsters.
Tesla engineers developed the specifications for the new gearbox and provided them to BorgWarner.
The new gearbox is an integral part of an enhanced powertrain with significant performance and efficiency improvements.
The new powertrain delivers about 30% higher motor torque on a single gear ratio, and it achieves a 10% higher EPA combined range.
The new gearbox is designed for the higher peak torque levels of the new Roadster powertrain, which has increased from 286 Newton-meters (211 foot-pounds) to 380 Newton-meters (280 foot-pounds).
The new powertrain achieves an EPA combined range of 244 miles on a single charge, up from Tesla's previously announced EPA range of 221 miles.
Production of Tesla Roadsters began in March, and the first vehicles were built with an interim transmission design.
Customers who own Roadsters with the interim transmission can have their powertrain upgraded free of charge.
Tesla Motors starts production of 10 new Roadsters each week. Customers typically take delivery four to six weeks after production begins.
The company expects production starts to ramp up to at least 20 vehicles per week within a few months and 40 per week by early 2009.
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