Tesla Inc. is scheduled to unveil its highly anticipated, next-generation Roadster on Thursday. The demonstration is slated to take place at a SpaceX test site located in McGregor, Texas, near Waco. The event is expected to begin at 7:55 local time (8:55 ET).
Vehicle Technology and Development History
The new model is projected to be a high-end, low-volume electric sports car that incorporates advanced SpaceX technology, including cold gas thrusters, intended to enable the vehicle to hover. Elon Musk, the company’s chief executive officer, has repeatedly promised that the incorporation of these “rocket thrusters” could even allow a Tesla vehicle to fly.
The concept for the Roadster was first introduced by Musk in 2017, both at an event and through a series of tweets. During these promotions, Musk noted that the “SpaceX option package for new Tesla Roadster will include ~10 small rocket thrusters arranged seamlessly around car.” The original Tesla Roadster, which was designed by a team led by founder Martin Eberhard, utilized a Lotus Elise chassis and was initially delivered in 2008, selling in limited quantities for approximately $100,000 until 2012.
Financial Details and Market Reception
In recent weeks, Tesla reopened reservations for the updated Roadster, accepting $50,000 deposits from potential purchasers across the U.S., Canada, and China. While the company has not disclosed specific pricing, production targets, or final details, executives are expected to provide this information during the reveal.
Despite the ongoing hype, observers note that the vehicle is not anticipated to have a substantial immediate financial impact on Tesla. The company has established a no-fly zone around the SpaceX facility where the demonstration will occur. Furthermore, the company had to cancel a planned demonstration on October 1 due to weather conditions.
Timeline and Industry Commentary
The launch of the Roadster has been marked by significant delays. Tesla has missed every targeted delivery date since Musk first took deposits for the car in 2017. Musk had previously generated anticipation for a demonstration that he hoped would occur before the end of 2025, which also did not materialize.
The extended wait period has drawn commentary from the industry. For instance, Sam Altman, a co-founder of OpenAI, publicly mocked the delays on X last year. Altman wrote:
I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays,
but 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.After receiving his refund, Altman and the company subsequently engaged in legal proceedings concerning OpenAI’s governance and ownership structure.
Some early adopters, however, have remained committed. Lawrence O’Connor, founder and CEO of Other World Computing, reported reserving a Founder’s Edition of the new Roadster in November 2017, an investment he stated amounted to an “interest-free loan” of $250,000. O’Connor expressed anticipation for the upcoming Thursday event, noting he was “excited to see what has been 9 years in the making.”
