Tesla's Next-Gen Roadster Debuts with Vertical Climbs and Sub-Second Acceleration

Key points

• The Roadster demonstrated vertical climbing, flipping, and flight using a fan-based suction system and cold-gas thrusters supplied by SpaceX.
• The car achieved a 0-60 mph time of 0.81 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 230 mph and a range of approximately 300 miles.
• Three configurations are available: performance, thrust, and rocket, with the latter being invite-only and seating only one person.
• Reservations require a $5,000 deposit for the performance trim and $250,000 for the thrust version, with production slated for 2028.
• The vehicle lacks side-view mirrors and uses mechanical door latches, raising questions about its street legality under federal standards.

Background

The original Roadster, Tesla's first production vehicle, launched in 2008 and ended production in 2012. The second-generation model was first teased in 2017, with reservations opening that year. The current unveiling follows nearly nine years of delays, with Musk previously apologizing to deposit holders for prioritizing robotics and autonomy programs over the Roadster. The event was rescheduled from October 1 to October 15 due to weather, with a 'Back to the Future' theme hinted at by the 7:55 p.m. CT start time.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge emphasized the stunt-like nature of the event, noting the absence of concrete details like pricing and release dates, while highlighting the car's impressive performance. Business Insider focused on the technical specifications, such as the 0.81-second 0-60 mph time and the three configurations, and raised concerns about the car's street legality due to its lack of side-view mirrors and mechanical door latches. Both outlets acknowledged the long development timeline and Musk's previous apologies to deposit holders.

Why it matters

The Roadster's debut marks a significant milestone for Tesla, showcasing its ability to integrate SpaceX technology into consumer vehicles. The car's extreme performance and unique features, such as flight and vertical climbing, could redefine the luxury EV market. However, the lack of concrete details and questions about street legality may impact consumer confidence and regulatory approval.

What to watch

Tesla is expected to provide more details on pricing, release dates, and production targets in the coming months. The company will also need to address regulatory concerns regarding the Roadster's street legality, particularly its lack of side-view mirrors and mechanical door latches. Production is targeted for 2028, but the exact timeline remains uncertain.