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Richard Read

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Maria Sharapova

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Back in March, Tesla launched the Odyssey of Pioneers: a 22,000 mile, round-the-world tour of its all-electric Roadster, specially tricked out by Tesla's brand partner, watchmaker TAG Heuer. The fun began in Switzerland, then moved across Europe to India, China, and Japan. Now, the TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster has arrived in America for a tour of 12 U.S. cities, including Las Vegas, New York, and D.C., as well as Baton Rouge, Savannah, and Raleigh. (Odd, yes, but we're sure Tesla's marketing team have their reasons.)

After arriving in L.A. a couple of days ago, tennis star and TAG Heuer ambassador Maria Sharapova took the Roadster out for a spin. As you'll see from the clip below:

a) Size apparently does matter.

b) Sharapova's better at knocking balls around than kicking tires.

c) The chemistry of blonds, convertibles, and California is undeniable.

d) If we were asked to test drive one of the baddest, fastest EVs on the planet, we would rather not do so in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Want to keep up with the Odyssey on your own? Check out the Odyssey of Pioneers page at TAGHeuer.com.

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Tesla and TAG Heuer World Tour Arrives in Los Angeles

Odyssey of Pioneers Begins United States Leg of Historic Tour

LOS ANGELES, Jul 28, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster, traveling around the world on the Odyssey of Pioneers tour, has arrived in Los Angeles to begin its journey through the United States. This is the 12th stop of the Odyssey of Pioneers, the first world tour by a zero-emission vehicle.

The Odyssey of Pioneers centers around the 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster, a one-of-a-kind collector's car incorporating TAG Heuer styling and design elements, a unique concept watch, and TAG Heuer timepieces. The tour celebrates TAG Heuer's 150th anniversary and the company's worldwide partnership with Tesla Motors (TSLA).

The Odyssey of Pioneers is a 22,000 mile journey through 15 major cities and hundreds of towns over three continents. The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster accelerates from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and consumes no gasoline. The Roadster plugs into any conventional outlet and can travel 245 miles on a single charge. It is the only sports car in the world that can be charged with solar, hydro or wind energy.

The TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster will stop in 12 U.S. cities for public displays, owner appreciation gatherings, and VIP events. Stops include Las Vegas, Houston, Baton Rouge, Orlando, Miami, Savannah, Raleigh, Washington DC and New York. Event details for each location can be found here. The car will be available for public viewing in Los Angeles beginning Saturday, July 31st at the Tesla Los Angeles store.

Tesla technician and Odyssey of Pioneers driver Luke McClure has already toured through Europe and Asia, including stops in Moscow's Red Square, India and Monaco. To kick off this leg, Luke blogs his experiences and excitement to tour the U.S.

Upon arrival in Los Angeles, tennis superstar Maria Sharapova, took the car out for a spin. Continue to follow the Odyssey of Pioneers at odyssey.tagheuer.com and on Facebook.

[MarketWatch, TagHeuer, via Marty]