After missing several production deadlines, Elon Musk has announced a new timeline for the highly anticipated second-generation Tesla Roadster. The Tesla CEO revealed on his personal X account that the production model will be ready for unveiling in late 2024, with deliveries expected to begin in 2025.
Musk shared that the specifications of the new Roadster have been significantly upgraded since the initial concept reveal in 2017. The design of the car has been influenced by SpaceX, and the 0-60 mph time has been further reduced to below one second, a feat that may seem unlikely but demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
X post by Elon Musk made on Feb. 27, 2024
When the concept was first unveiled, Tesla claimed a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, a 0-100 mph time of 4.2 seconds, and a top speed of 250 mph, powered by a 200-kwh battery pack providing 620 miles of range. Musk later hinted at a “SpaceX rocket thruster option package” that could potentially achieve a 0-60 mph time of 1.1 seconds. The latest updates suggest even more impressive performance enhancements.
Initial pricing for the standard Roadster was set at $200,000, with a limited-edition Founder Series model priced at $250,000. Tesla began accepting reservations with a $50,000 deposit for the standard model and full payment upfront for the Founder Series. It remains to be seen if these prices will remain unchanged for the production model.
2020 Tesla Roadster
Tesla’s track record of missing deadlines and failing to deliver on some performance and pricing claims has been evident with previous models like the Cybertruck. Despite these setbacks, Tesla continues to innovate and expand its lineup, with plans for a next-generation platform that will enable the launch of smaller, more affordable models than the existing Model 3 and Model Y.
Reports suggest that Tesla is also working on an affordable crossover expected to debut around 2025, further expanding its portfolio and catering to a wider range of customers.