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Tesla Unveils Second-Generation Roadster After Years of Delays
Key points
- Second-generation Tesla Roadster to be unveiled on October 15.
- Event livestreamed from a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas.
- Expected features include 620-mile range and 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds.
- Teasers suggest the inclusion of cold-gas thrusters.
- Reservations reopened with $50,000 deposits in select regions.
- Second-generation Roadster unveiled at an event in Waco, Texas.
- CEO Elon Musk stated the vehicle will be produced in 2028.
- Roadster demonstrated accelerating 0 to 60 miles per hour in one second.
- Roadster includes three trims: Performance, Thrust, and a third unnamed trim.
- Performance trim seats two, has active aerodynamics, and a multi-mode suction system.
- Thrust trim is race ready and seats two.
- Roadster demonstrated driving up an inverted ramp, spinning, and landing on pavement.
- Roadster used thrusters to lift itself over a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3.
- Roadster drove upside down and briefly flew during the demonstration.
- Roadster has a fan-based suction system developed with SpaceX.
- Reservations require a $5,000 deposit, with an additional $45,000 due within 10 days for the base vehicle.
- The event was less than 30 minutes long.
- Roadster 2 was demonstrated at a SpaceX rocket development and testing facility.
- Roadster was controlled remotely during the demonstration.
- Roadster uses 100,000 psi jets of compressed nitrogen.
- Roadster has a top speed of 383 mph.
- Roadster uses 4680 battery cells with a special chemistry.
- Roadster is rear-wheel drive.
- Roadster's styling resembles the Lotus Esprit and Lamborghini Gallardo.
- Roadster's 'Rocket' configuration removes the passenger seat for gas tanks.
- Roadster's 'Rocket' configuration will be 'invite only'.
- Roadster uses 600 liters of compressed air.
- Roadster has 10 directional cold-gas thruster nozzles.
- Roadster's thruster setup is only available on the Rocket trim.
- Roadster can refill its own air tanks.
- Thrust trim reservation costs $250,000.
- First Roadster was released in 2008.
- McMurtry Spéirling, 1970 Chaparral 2J, and 1978 Brabham BT46 F1 car also used fan systems for downforce.
- Tesla's website states the Roadster's fan system pulls air from underneath the vehicle.
Long-Awaited Unveiling
Tesla is scheduled to unveil its second-generation Roadster electric sports car on October 15 at 8:55 PM ET. This event follows repeated delays since the vehicle's initial announcement in 2017, with a previous target readiness date of 2020. The unveiling will be livestreamed from a SpaceX test site located in McGregor, Texas.
Performance and Features
The company previously promised significant performance metrics for the new Roadster, including a 620-mile range and the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds. Recent teasers and reports have also hinted at the possibility of cold-gas thrusters, suggesting advanced capabilities for the vehicle.
Background and Context
The original Tesla Roadster, based on a Lotus Elise chassis, was first delivered in 2008 and sold in small volumes until 2012. The refreshed Roadster concept was initially promoted by Elon Musk in 2017. Tesla has reopened reservations for the new model, accepting $50,000 deposits from prospective buyers in the U.S., Canada, and China.
Significance
While the Roadster is considered a high-end, low-volume model, its unveiling marks a significant milestone for Tesla after nearly a decade of development and anticipation. The event is expected to disclose specific pricing, details, and production targets for the vehicle.
Updates
- McMurtry Spéirling, 1970 Chaparral 2J, and 1978 Brabham BT46 F1 car also used fan systems for downforce.
- Tesla's website states the Roadster's fan system pulls air from underneath the vehicle.
- Thrust trim reservation costs $250,000.
- First Roadster was released in 2008.
- Roadster 2 was demonstrated at a SpaceX rocket development and testing facility.
- Roadster was controlled remotely during the demonstration.
- Roadster uses 100,000 psi jets of compressed nitrogen.
- Roadster has a top speed of 383 mph.
- Roadster uses 4680 battery cells with a special chemistry.
- Roadster is rear-wheel drive.
- Roadster's styling resembles the Lotus Esprit and Lamborghini Gallardo.
- Roadster's 'Rocket' configuration removes the passenger seat for gas tanks.
- Roadster's 'Rocket' configuration will be 'invite only'.
- Roadster uses 600 liters of compressed air.
- Roadster has 10 directional cold-gas thruster nozzles.
- Roadster's thruster setup is only available on the Rocket trim.
- Roadster can refill its own air tanks.
- Second-generation Roadster unveiled at an event in Waco, Texas.
- CEO Elon Musk stated the vehicle will be produced in 2028.
- Roadster demonstrated accelerating 0 to 60 miles per hour in one second.
- Roadster includes three trims: Performance, Thrust, and a third unnamed trim.
- Performance trim seats two, has active aerodynamics, and a multi-mode suction system.
- Thrust trim is race ready and seats two.
- Roadster demonstrated driving up an inverted ramp, spinning, and landing on pavement.
- Roadster used thrusters to lift itself over a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3.
- Roadster drove upside down and briefly flew during the demonstration.
- Roadster has a fan-based suction system developed with SpaceX.
- Reservations require a $5,000 deposit, with an additional $45,000 due within 10 days for the base vehicle.
- The event was less than 30 minutes long.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Tesla's new Roadster uses a multi-mode fan and ground sealing system to generate downforce, allowing it to perform stunts like driving upside down. This technology, however, has been previously implemented in other vehicles, including the McMurtry Spéirling, the 1970 Chaparral 2J, and the 1978 Brabham BT46 F1 car.
Tesla announced a 2028 production target for the redesigned Roadster, with a "Thrust" trim level featuring cold-gas thrusters available for a $250,000 reservation. This marks a re-announcement of the vehicle, which was initially unveiled in 2017 with a targeted 2020 release.
Tesla's unreleased Roadster will feature a 'flying' capability using compressed air thrusters for controlled maneuvers, a concept similar to experimental missile defense systems developed by Lockheed Martin. The Roadster's system uses ten nozzles and high-pressure air tanks, available on its Rocket trim, but is not approved for public road use.
Tesla demonstrated a Roadster performing aerial maneuvers using cold-gas thrusters and a suction-fan system, but the vehicle is not intended for public sale or road use. The 'Rocket' configuration removes the passenger seat for gas tanks and will be 'invite only,' with production pushed to 2028.
Tesla has revealed details about its new Roadster, which features compressed nitrogen jets for propulsion and claims a 0-60 mph time of 0.8 seconds and a top speed of 383 mph. The vehicle uses 4680 battery cells with a special chemistry and is rear-wheel drive, with some design elements resembling classic sports cars.
Elon Musk demonstrated a prototype of the Tesla Roadster 2, showcasing its ability to fly using SpaceX thruster technology. The vehicle, slated for 2028 production, achieved 0-60mph in under a second and performed aerial maneuvers, though its legality for public use is uncertain.
Tesla showcased the new Roadster's capabilities at its launch event, performing stunts like driving up a C-shaped ramp, jumping over vehicles, and hovering. The vehicle uses cold-gas thrusters, a technology from SpaceX, for these maneuvers.
Tesla unveiled its redesigned Roadster, featuring a cold-gas thruster option and a ground-sealing suction system. The vehicle, first announced nine years ago, is expected to enter production in 2028, with reservations now open.
Tesla demonstrated its next-generation Roadster in Waco, Texas, showcasing the vehicle driving upside down, briefly flying, and accelerating to 60 mph in under a second. The demonstration highlighted the car's advanced capabilities, including cold-gas thrusters and a fan-based suction system developed with SpaceX.
Tesla demonstrated its redesigned second-generation Roadster, featuring SpaceX thruster technology for enhanced maneuverability, at an event in Waco, Texas. The vehicle, which CEO Elon Musk stated will be produced in 2028, includes three trims with varying levels of thruster integration and performance capabilities. This marks a significant update for the long-delayed Roadster, showcasing advanced automotive technology.
Tesla plans to reveal its next-generation Roadster on Thursday, nearly a decade after beginning to take deposits for the electric sports car. The event will be livestreamed from a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas. The Roadster is a high-end, low-volume model expected to incorporate SpaceX technology like cold gas thrusters.
Tesla is scheduled to unveil its second-generation Roadster electric sports car on October 15, after repeated delays since its initial announcement in 2017. The company previously promised features like a 620-mile range and 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, with recent teasers hinting at cold-gas thrusters.