Tesla Roadster 2026, the new electric car that "flies" presented
Quick Look
- During an event at SpaceX's test site in McGregor, Texas, Elon Musk unveiled the new Tesla Roadster, revealing that the 'Performance' and 'Thrust' versions require a deposit of $50,000 and $250,000 respectively, while the 'Rocket' variant will be available by invitation only.
- The Roadster promises acceleration from 0 to 97 km/h in less than a second and a top speed of over 370 km/h, with a range of over 480 km per charge.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The original Tesla Roadster, launched in 2008 and based on the Lotus Elise chassis, was Tesla's first electric vehicle and helped change the global perception of electric vehicles. The company later became known for its Model Y and Model X SUVs and Model S and Model 3 sedans.
During the event, Musk and other executives gave no list prices, although nearly a decade ago Tesla talked about a base price of $200,000 for the vehicle.
After the event, the Roadster's reservation page on Tesla's website showed a "Performance" version, which requires a $50,000 deposit, and a "Thrust" version – equipped with "acceleration thrusters" – which requires a $250,000 deposit. A "Rocket" variant is also planned, accessible – according to Tesla – "by invitation only", described as a single-seater model equipped with a "full flight system".
The spectacular event
The event, held at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, featured all the elements typical of Musk's presentations: atmospheric music, smoke, mechanical hissing and a countdown to launch.
“This is the culmination of incredible work, done in close collaboration by the engineers at Tesla and SpaceX, to create something that has never been seen in any movie,” Musk – who was wearing a silver, Western-style belt buckle with the Tesla logo for the occasion – declared to an enthusiastic crowd of fans and investors.
The features of Tesla Roadster
According to Lars Moravy, head of Tesla vehicle engineering, the Roadster is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in less than a second and reaching a top speed of more than 230 miles per hour (370 km/h).
“Definitely a lot faster than that,” commented an enthusiastic Musk. "I'd say we're halfway to the speed of sound."
Furthermore, the Roadster is capable of traveling over 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge. This is less than half of what Musk promised in 2017, when Tesla first unveiled the second-generation Roadster prototype, announcing that deliveries would begin in 2020.
The original Roadster
The original Roadster, launched in 2008 and on sale until 2012, was Tesla's first electric vehicle and used the Lotus Elise chassis. It helped change the global perception of what an electric vehicle could be. Since then, the company has become known for its Model Y and Model X SUVs and Model S and Model 3 sedans.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Deliveries of the Tesla Roadster will begin within the next two years.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- When will deliveries of the new Tesla Roadster officially begin?
- What is the final list price expected for the various versions of the Roadster?
- What are the exact technical details of the Rocket variant's 'full flight system'?
