Tesla continues to accept reservations for its long-promised second-generation Roadster, despite nearly eight years passing since its unveiling in November 2017. While the company has remained silent on a firm production timeline, the vehicle remains listed on Tesla’s website, inviting enthusiasts to place deposits without any clear indication of when—or if—their orders will be fulfilled.
The Roadster was initially introduced as a revolutionary high-performance EV, with Tesla projecting a production start in 2020. However, that timeline has been repeatedly pushed back, first to 2021, then to 2022, 2023, and now 2024. Last year, Elon Musk suggested a potential 2025 production date but reiterated that Tesla’s mainstream models would always take precedence in development.
Beyond its ever-shifting launch schedule, the Roadster has been at the centre of some of Tesla’s most ambitious claims. The company continues to promote performance targets announced in 2017, including a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 1.9 seconds, an 8.8-second quarter-mile, a top speed exceeding 402km/h, and a driving range of 997km. The Roadster is also expected to feature all-wheel drive and a four-seat configuration, setting it apart from many traditional supercars.
In addition to these impressive figures, Tesla has previously suggested that the car could achieve a sub-one-second 0-100km/h time through a SpaceX-branded package, which would incorporate rocket thrusters. The system, according to Musk, would enhance acceleration, braking, and cornering, and might even enable the car to hover. Despite these extraordinary claims, there has been no tangible evidence or engineering updates to support such technology.
A Price Tag Without a Product
Unlike Tesla’s mainstream models, the Roadster is not listed in the primary “Vehicles” menu on the company’s website. Instead, it appears in a separate section alongside the Semi truck. The reservation page features CGI images of the car, a video of its 2017 unveiling, and a “Reserve Now” button. However, no details on configurations, available colours, or expected delivery dates are provided.
Tesla continues to accept reservations for the Roadster, requiring an initial $5,000 (RM22,191) deposit via credit card, followed by a $45,000 (RM199,725) wire transfer within ten days. The company had previously estimated the Roadster’s price at between $200,000 (RM887,587) and $250,000 (RM1,109,484), but it remains unclear whether those figures are still accurate. Reservations are only confirmed once the full $50,000 (RM221,896) deposit is received.
An Uncertain Future
With nearly a decade since its introduction, the Roadster remains little more than a concept frozen in time. In the fast-moving automotive industry, an eight-year development cycle is virtually unheard of, raising questions about whether Tesla will deliver the car as originally promised—or if it will ever reach production at all. While reservation holders remain hopeful, each passing year makes the Roadster’s future increasingly uncertain.
