Modelling car for the future

Model and environmental campaigner Summer Rayne of New York drove the world's fastest electric car, the Californian Tesla Roadster, around Queensland Raceway where the V8 Supercars usually roar.

While there was no roar from the quiet electric car, there was still plenty of V8-style acceleration with the tiny vehicle whipping up to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds, which is only 0.2 seconds slower than a Porsche 911 Turbo.

"I came out to speak at Greenfest, but getting to drive the Tesla is a bit of a perk," said Rayne who holds degrees in entomology and environmental science.

"This car is pretty sweet.

"The next thing is to get the electricity from a clean and renewable energy source, but at least this car is a start toward greener motoring."

The Tesla costs about $160,000 and is only available in left-hand drive so it is not registerable on Australia's roads, however a right-hand version will be built in England from February.

It has a top speed limited to 200km/h, can be recharged in 3.5 hours and has a range of 390km, depending on how it is driven. If it is driven as hard as it was yesterday by Summer on the race track, the range will be a lot less.

"I can see this will appeal to the boys more than the girls," Rayne said.