Tesla is planning to reveal its next-generation Roadster on Thursday at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, almost a decade after the company started taking deposits for the electric sports car. The livestreamed event is expected to begin at 7:55 local time (8:55 ET). The reveal comes after multiple missed delivery dates since Tesla first promoted the refreshed Roadster concept in November 2017 and began accepting $50,000 deposits.
Tesla Schedules Roadster Reveal at SpaceX Texas Facility
The event will be livestreamed from a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, near Waco, beginning at 7:55 local time (8:55 ET). According to filings with the Federal Aviation Administration, Tesla established a no-fly zone around the SpaceX facility where it plans to show off the vehicle. The company had to scrap a demo on Oct. 1 due to weather issues.
The next-generation Roadster is expected to be a high-end, low-volume model that relies on SpaceX technology, such as cold gas thrusters, to enable it to hover. Elon Musk first promoted the refreshed Roadster concept at an event in November 2017. In June 2018, he wrote on social media that the "SpaceX option package for new Tesla Roadster will include ~10 small rocket thrusters arranged seamlessly around car." The engines would improve speed and braking, and may "even allow a Tesla to fly."
Executives are expected to disclose specific pricing, details and production targets during Thursday's reveal.
Tesla Reopens Roadster Reservations After Years of Delays
Tesla reopened reservations for the refreshed Roadster in recent weeks, accepting $50,000 deposits from prospective buyers in the U.S., Canada and China. The company started taking $50,000 deposits in 2017, but has since missed every targeted delivery date.
As recently as last October, Musk was promoting a Roadster demo that he hoped would happen before the end of last year. That demonstration did not take place.
OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman mocked the Tesla CEO in posts on X last year over the extreme delays, showing screenshots of his own reservation and refund requests. "I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays," Altman wrote. "But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait." Altman received his refund.
Original Tesla Roadster Delivered 2008-2012
Tesla's original Roadster, designed and engineered by a team led by founding CEO Martin Eberhard, used a Lotus Elise chassis and was first delivered in 2008. The vehicle sold for roughly $100,000 in small volumes until 2012.
Tesla is scheduled to report third-quarter results after the bell on Wednesday.
FAQ
When is Tesla revealing the next-generation Roadster?
Tesla is planning to reveal the next-generation Roadster on Thursday at 7:55 local time (8:55 ET) at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas. The event will be livestreamed.
How much is the deposit for the Tesla Roadster?
Tesla reopened reservations in recent weeks, accepting $50,000 deposits from prospective buyers in the U.S., Canada and China. The company started taking $50,000 deposits in 2017.
What technology will the next-generation Roadster use?
The next-generation Roadster is expected to rely on SpaceX technology, such as cold gas thrusters, to enable it to hover. Elon Musk stated in June 2018 that the SpaceX option package would include approximately 10 small rocket thrusters arranged seamlessly around the car to improve speed and braking.
