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Tesla Roadster: The Long-Awaited Electric Supercar Nears Production in 2025

The Tesla Roadster, first unveiled as a concept in November 2017, has been one of the most anticipated electric vehicles (EVs) in the automotive world. Promising unprecedented performance and futuristic technology, the second-generation Roadster has faced multiple delays, leaving fans and reservation holders eagerly awaiting its arrival. However, recent updates from Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, suggest that the Roadster is finally on track for production in 2025, with a potential debut as a 2026 model. Here’s the latest news on this groundbreaking electric supercar.

A Brief History of Delays

When Tesla revealed the Roadster prototype in 2017, it was touted as the fastest production car ever, with a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 250 mph, and a range of 620 miles. Originally slated for a 2020 launch, the project was repeatedly postponed due to Tesla’s focus on scaling production of the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and other initiatives like the Tesla Semi and Optimus robot. Supply chain challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed progress.

In 2024, Musk provided several updates, signaling renewed momentum. During Tesla’s Q2 2024 earnings call in July, he stated that most of the Roadster’s engineering was complete, with production expected to begin in 2025. By the Q3 2024 earnings call in October, Musk reiterated that the design was close to finalization, though he emphasized that the Roadster remains a lower priority compared to projects like the autonomous Cybercab.

Groundbreaking Performance and SpaceX Collaboration

The Roadster’s specs continue to captivate enthusiasts. Tesla claims it will feature a 200 kWh battery pack, offering up to 620 miles of range, supported by 350 kW DC fast charging. The car is expected to have all-wheel drive, potentially with a quad-motor setup, delivering a staggering 7,376 lb-ft of wheel torque. Musk’s boldest claim is a 0-60 mph time of under one second, a figure that would dethrone even the fastest hypercars.

A standout feature is the optional “SpaceX package,” which includes approximately 10 cold gas thrusters integrated around the car. These thrusters, derived from SpaceX’s rocket technology, are designed to enhance acceleration, top speed, braking, and cornering. Musk has even hinted that the thrusters could allow the Roadster to “fly a little,” though it’s unclear if this is literal or metaphorical. Tesla’s Senior VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, confirmed in February 2025 that work on the thrusters is ongoing, describing them as a way to “break the laws of motor physics.”

Design and Features

The Roadster’s sleek, aerodynamic design remains a crowd-pleaser. It features a removable glass roof that stows in the trunk for a convertible experience and a minimalist interior with a large touchscreen extending from the dashboard to the center console. The car offers a 2+2 seating configuration, though the rear seats are likely cramped for adults. A yoke-style steering system, similar to the Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire setup, is expected, though Tesla may offer a traditional steering wheel option due to mixed reception of the yoke.

The Roadster will likely lack features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM radio, or SiriusXM, consistent with Tesla’s current lineup. Instead, it will rely on Tesla’s proprietary infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance systems, including Autopilot and potentially Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities.

Pricing and Availability

The base Roadster is listed at $200,000, with the first 1,000 units, dubbed the Founder’s Series, priced at $250,000. Pre-orders began in 2017 with a $50,000 deposit, and some Tesla referral program participants earned discounts or even free Roadsters. Despite the long wait, many reservation holders remain committed, though skepticism persists on platforms like Reddit, where some speculate the project could be canceled or further delayed.

Musk has promised a “mind-blowing” demo of the Roadster’s capabilities in 2025, potentially by year-end. Tesla’s website and recent statements indicate that production is targeted for 2025, with deliveries possibly starting in early 2026. However, given Tesla’s history of missing deadlines, some analysts remain cautious.

Competitive Landscape

The Roadster will enter a competitive EV hypercar market, facing rivals like the Rimac Nevera (0-60 mph in 1.74 seconds) and the Automobili Pininfarina Battista (under 2 seconds). Its sub-one-second acceleration and SpaceX-derived tech could give it an edge, but competitors have already delivered production models while Tesla’s Roadster remains in development. Musk’s claim that the Roadster will be “something spectacular” and “not even really a car” sets high expectations.

Challenges and Skepticism

The Roadster’s repeated delays have fueled skepticism. Some Reddit users in the r/teslamotors community have called it “the Duke Nukem: Forever of cars,” referencing a famously delayed video game. Others question whether Tesla can deliver on its ambitious specs without facing legal or financial repercussions if the car underperforms. There’s also speculation that Tesla is holding off to avoid refunding deposits, though Musk has acknowledged the patience of “long-suffering” reservation holders.

Analysts like Jacob Bourne from Emarketer note that delays are not uncommon for Musk’s ventures, citing similar patterns across Tesla and SpaceX. Meanwhile, Tesla bull Dan Ives from Wedbush remains optimistic, predicting the Roadster will hit the road within 12 months alongside other projects like the Tesla Semi.

The Road Ahead

The Tesla Roadster represents more than just a high-performance EV; it’s a symbol of Tesla’s ambition to redefine automotive engineering. With its SpaceX collaboration, record-breaking specs, and futuristic design, the Roadster has the potential to set a new benchmark for electric supercars—if Tesla can deliver. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Tesla’s promised demo and whether the Roadster can finally live up to nearly a decade of hype.

For now, reservation holders and fans can only wait, but the prospect of a sub-one-second, rocket-thruster-equipped Roadster keeps the excitement alive. Stay tuned for updates as Tesla inches closer to making this automotive enigma a reality.