Tesla Roadster Reservations Include No Delivery Guarantee Amid Nine-Year Delay

Key points

• Tesla’s reservation agreement states the Roadster is still under development and cannot guarantee delivery or exact pricing.
• Reservations cost up to $250,000 but are fully refundable and do not guarantee a confirmed build slot.
• Production is targeted for 2028, nearly a decade after the initial 2017 announcement.
• The 'Rocket' package includes cold-gas thrusters for brief vertical lift but is not approved for public roads.
• Analysts doubt the car will reverse Tesla’s falling sales, noting it is an attention-getter rather than a revenue driver.

Background

The original second-generation Roadster was unveiled in 2017 with a 2020 production target. Reservations were reopened in September 2026 for $50,000, with the full price potentially reaching $250,000. The vehicle features technology derived from a lineage of racing cars using downforce, including the 1970 Chaparral 2J.

How outlets are covering it

The Drive highlights the legal disclaimer in Tesla’s reservation agreement, noting that customers are only receiving an approximate place in line. The Los Angeles Times emphasizes the skepticism from analysts like Brian Moody and Karl Brauer, who argue the car will not save Tesla’s faltering sales and that Musk’s reputation is damaged by previous delays. Both outlets agree on the 2028 production timeline but differ in focus: The Drive on consumer protection, the LA Times on market impact.

Why it matters

The Roadster’s delayed launch and lack of delivery guarantees reflect broader issues with Tesla’s product pipeline and consumer trust. It also highlights the intersection of automotive and aerospace technology under Musk’s leadership.

What to watch

Tesla will likely continue to refine the Roadster’s specifications and pricing as it approaches 2028 production. Customers may seek refunds if delays persist, and regulators may scrutinize the 'Rocket' package’s safety and legality.