When will Tesla’s long-awaited new Roadster actually hit the streets? That’s the question on everyone’s minds as Tesla continues to tease its high-performance electric sports car. The company first unveiled the second-generation Roadster as a prototype back in 2017. Since then, the launch date has shifted multiple times.
Tesla originally planned to start production in 2020. However, the company chose to focus on its Cybertruck and Semi models instead. Now Tesla says the Roadster should debut by the end of 2024, with sales beginning in 2025. Still, there’s no confirmed production schedule yet.
Despite multiple delays since its 2017 unveiling, Tesla’s Roadster now targets a 2024 debut with 2025 sales, though no production schedule is confirmed.
The performance numbers Tesla’s promising are extraordinary. CEO Elon Musk claimed the Roadster would sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds. He later suggested it might do it in under one second. The car’s expected top speed is around 250 mph. It’ll use a triple-motor powertrain and an advanced battery system. Unlike the original two-seater, this version includes two rear seats.
What makes the Roadster truly unique are its potential SpaceX-inspired features. Tesla may add cold gas thrusters to improve handling and stability. The car might also use aerodynamic fan and skirt systems. These thrusters could be restricted on regular streets but would boost performance on racetracks. Advanced sensors and software would adjust the car’s dynamics automatically. Additionally, Tesla’s cooling fans are designed to maintain optimal battery temperature, which could further enhance performance.
The base Roadster is expected to cost around $200,000. Tesla’s also planning a Founders Series limited to 1,000 units at approximately $250,000. These prices put it among today’s supercars, though Tesla claims it’ll offer better performance value.
The Roadster targets the high-performance electric sports car market. It competes with luxury EVs and traditional supercars. Tesla’s repeated delays have created both skepticism and excitement among car enthusiasts. The new Roadster revives the nameplate formerly used by Tesla’s first model from 2008.
Adding to the intrigue, recent speculation suggests Tesla might be teasing something else entirely—possibly a more affordable EV. Whether the company delivers the wild Roadster or surprises everyone with a budget-friendly option remains to be seen. For now, the automotive world waits and watches.