Tesla (TSLA) appears to still be moving forward with plans for a next-gen Roadster. Of course, the Roadster was the company’s first production car. The model was sold from 2008 to 2012 and is widely considered an important proof-of-concept with consumers that a lithium-ion battery sports car could deliver both real-world range and high performance.
Built on a heavily modified Lotus Elise chassis with an AC induction motor and a roughly 200-mile real-world range, it sold in limited numbers at prices around and above six figures, with total production of about 2,450 units before the program ended as Tesla (TSLA) shifted focus to the Model S. A second-generation Roadster was first unveiled as a prototype in 2017 as an all-electric supercar promising sub-2-second 0–60 mph acceleration, more than 250 mph top speed, and a claimed range around 620 miles from a roughly 200 kWh battery pack. However, Tesla (TSLA) has repeatedly delayed the new Roadster, citing the need to prioritize higher-volume vehicles and the maturation of advanced battery technology.
Design leaders at the electric vehicle company have described the Roadster project as a kind of “racing program” intended to push engineering limits and showcase new technology, although that explanation has not satisfied fans of the Roadster who made deposits years ago.
Recent statements and reports indicate that development work on the new Roadster may have ramped back up in 2025. Elon Musk has now tied the reveal of a production-ready version to an event scheduled for April 1, 2026, and has suggested production could start roughly 12–18 months after that, implying a possible 2027–2028 start if the schedule holds. However, the April 1 timing of the event has some analysts warning of an April Fools’ Day prank.
Last month, Elon Musk said Tesla (TSLA) was nearing the point of showing the updated Roadster prototype, describing the planned demo as potentially the most memorable or “most mind-blowing” product reveal ever. He has even hinted at a flying-car-style capability for the next-gen Roadster. “We need to make sure that it works. This is some crazy technology in this car. Let’s just put it this way: if you took all the James Bond cars and combined them, it’s crazier than that,” he told Joe Rogan.
XPeng (XPEV) and Hyundai (HYMTF) are the other car companies that are reported to be working on electric vertical takeoff and landing flying car concepts.