Electric car maker Tesla has announced a special edition model of its Roadster sports car, as it prepares for the debut of its new Model S (pictured above).

The brand, which created the world’s first high-performance electric car in the Roadster, will sell just 15 of the Final Edition Roadster models.

Although the specifications of the model haven’t been changed, it is finished in distinctive Atomic Red paint, dark stripes and exclusive anthracite aluminium wheels.

2012 is “sure to be the most exciting year in Tesla’s history,” as the final cars for which the brand is so famous are snapped up and it prepares to launch the Model S.

Aimed decidedly more at the mainstream than the $109,000 Roadster, the Model S will be priced from $49,900 inclusive of government subsidies, Tesla recently revealed, with a special edition performance package topping out at $79,900.

That will get buyers an 85kWh battery pack capable of racing from 0-60mph (0-97 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera.

Buyers who aren’t lucky enough to get their hands on the Final Edition Roadster may still be able to snap up a unique Tesla model though — Tesla recently confirmed that the Model S will launch with a special edition Signature run priced from $87,900.