Tesla Unveils Roadster 2.5

You know Tesla is a car company with a different kind of Silcon Valley mindset when you read that headline. Roadster 2.5? No, that isn't a standard naming practice in the car industry. As tech junkies, we think it is cool though.

The announcement of the Roadster 2.5 comes just days after Tesla's initial public stock offering, the first for an American auto company since Ford in 1956. Let's check out the changes on the new Roadster 2.5.

The most most apparent changes on the Roadster 2.5 are visual. Tesla's styling has changed a bit over time since bringing in industry designers and developing the Model S.

The 2.5 was designed primarily to bring the Roadster in line with the changes in styling. There is a new grille, with diffusing vents near the front wheels, as well as a reardiffuser that "reflects the future of Tesla design."

They are small, but look good - the vents in the front help to add a bit more visual drama. Beyond that, there isn't a whole lot that is different though - just the same Roadster we know and love.

The interior sees a quite a few updates. The Roadster's interior has always been known as being quite barebones - as in, not a really comfortable place to spend your time. To help rectify that, there are new seats that aim to offer improved comfort with larger, more supportive bolsters and a new lumbar support.

Another criticism? Interior noise. Sound deadening material now lines the front fenders to improve noise reduction in the interior. A 7-inch touchscreen with back-up camera is also now available. We wonder how much more electricity the screen uses. 0.2 miles? That would be interesting to find out.

Another criticism of the Roadster has been a harsh ride, but there doesn't seem to be any changes to the car's suspension. Got to save something for 3.0, right?

As far as powertrain upgrades, there doesn't appear to be any in that department either. However, Tesla says there is new power control hardware that "enables spirited driving in exceptionally hot climates."

No word on pricing yet for the new model, but expect it to be on the increase. Also, in typical Silicon Valley software-style fashion, existing Roadster customers can upgrade from 2.0 to 2.5 (at a cost, of course). How cool is that?