The second generation Tesla Roadster has become a topic of intrigue and frustration among automotive enthusiasts and Tesla fans alike. Initially unveiled in 2017, many eager customers put down a $50,000 deposit, only to face endless delays in the car’s release. Originally slated for a 2020 launch, the Roadster’s debut has been pushed back multiple times, with the latest expectations suggesting a potential arrival in 2026. With the automotive landscape rapidly evolving, the question remains: will the Roadster ever meet its ambitious promises?
The excitement surrounding the Roadster began in November 2017, shortly after the launch of the Tesla semi-electric pickup truck. CEO Elon Musk introduced this new iteration of the Roadster as the successor to the first Tesla model, which debuted in 2008. As anticipation grew, so did the uncertainty regarding its release. Will Tesla deliver the long-awaited Roadster, or is the company now focusing on other projects like the self-driving Cybertruck and the more affordable Model Q?
Roadster Launch Timeline
When the Roadster was first announced, its 2020 launch timeline seemed ambitious, even by Tesla’s flexible standards. Although there were several high-profile demonstrations of the prototype, reality soon set in. In spring 2020, Musk suggested production would start within 12 to 18 months. However, early 2021 saw another delay, pushing the production date to 2022.
As the months rolled on, more updates from Musk indicated further postponements. By September 2021, production was pushed out to 2023, and in May 2023, it was delayed once again to 2024. The most recent update in February 2024 indicated another shift, with deliveries not expected until 2025. Musk has also hinted at a production version reveal before the end of 2024, but skepticism remains regarding this timeline.
Pricing Details
When Tesla first unveiled the Roadster, it announced a base price of $200,000. Additionally, the company intended to produce a limited run of 1,000 units of the $250,000 Founders Series, which would be delivered prior to the standard version. To secure an order for a standard Roadster, customers were required to pay a $50,000 deposit, while Founders Series buyers had to pay the entire amount upfront.
While Tesla has not publicly disclosed plans for international sales, their UK website allows customers to reserve a Roadster with a refundable deposit of £4,000, plus an additional £34,000 due within ten days. However, the exact pricing for the Roadster outside the US remains unclear.
Specifications and Performance
The Tesla Roadster promises remarkable performance, boasting an acceleration from 0 to 100 miles per hour in just 1.9 seconds and reaching 160 mph in 4.2 seconds. The tri-motor all-wheel-drive vehicle is expected to cover a quarter-mile in just 8.8 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 250 mph. Furthermore, Tesla claims the Roadster will have a range of 620 miles, far surpassing many electric vehicles on the market today.
The Roadster is designed as a 2+2 vehicle, featuring two small rear seats in addition to the front seats. Musk has also teased the idea of a SpaceX package, which could include small rocket thrusters to enhance acceleration and performance. Although Musk’s claims have stirred excitement, they have also drawn skepticism from industry experts, particularly concerning the feasibility of such technology in a consumer vehicle.
Controversial Claims
Musk’s vision for the Roadster includes innovative features such as the potential to fly, a concept he has discussed since 2018. However, experts like Mate Rimac, the Croatian president of both Bugatti and Rimac Automobili, have challenged these claims. According to Rimac, achieving such a dramatic acceleration would require extensive engineering resources that Tesla has not yet demonstrated.
Latest Updates and Future Prospects
Despite the ongoing delays, there has been limited news regarding the Tesla Roadster in 2024. Musk hinted at radical design advancements and promised a vehicle that transcends traditional automotive concepts. In a tweet from February 2024, he stated, “Tonight, we radically raise the bar for the design goals of the new Tesla Roadster.”
In March 2024, during an appearance on a podcast, Musk reaffirmed his ambition to combine SpaceX and Tesla technologies to create a vehicle that is unlike anything seen before. He described the upcoming Roadster as having a “distinctive Jetson feel,” referencing flying cars from the classic animated series.
Warranty and Maintenance Expectations
With the Roadster still in concept form, details regarding its warranty and maintenance coverage remain speculative. However, it is anticipated that the vehicle will follow the same standard warranty offerings as other Tesla models, including an 8-year warranty on electric motors and the battery pack. Unlike some competitors, the Roadster will likely not include complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
As the Roadster is yet to undergo crash testing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not evaluated its safety. However, it is reasonable to expect that Tesla will equip the Roadster with its latest driver assistance technologies, including the renowned Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system.
Conclusion
The Tesla Roadster remains a highly anticipated vehicle, shrouded in delays and ambitious promises. While its groundbreaking specifications and innovative features have captured the imagination of many, the uncertainty surrounding its release continues to grow. As Tesla navigates its various projects, including the Cybertruck and other electric vehicles, the fate of the Roadster hangs in the balance. Enthusiasts and deposit holders alike hope that the wait will soon be over, bringing this electric supercar to life.
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