Elon Musk recently delivered an electrifying update on the highly-anticipated Tesla Roadster during Tesla’s annual financial conference—but not in the way fans were hoping. The second-generation Roadster was first unveiled in 2017, and since then, it has faced numerous delays that have left eager enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. While Musk had previously stated via his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), that the production design was complete and that the vehicle would make its grand entrance by the end of 2024, the latest earnings call revealed a disheartening slowdown in the project's progress. "I’d certainly like to thank our long-suffering deposit holders of the Tesla Roadster," Musk remarked, acknowledging the frustrations of hopeful customers. However, he tempered the excitement by stating, "we are close to finalising the car’s design." The delay primarily stems from Tesla prioritising its other models, particularly the upcoming Robotaxi. As Musk aptly put it, "The Roadster is the cherry on the icing on the cake," emphasizing that cars with a more significant impact on the world must come first. The Roadster has faced setbacks not just because of ambitious timelines, but also due to supply chain challenges, much like its sibling, the Cybertruck, which has recently made its debut.
Reservations for the Tesla Roadster have already opened, with a base price anticipated to start at around €176,000. Customers looking to secure their future ride are required to put down a hefty deposit of €39,000. For those with a taste for exclusivity, Tesla is introducing a limited edition Founders Series model, restricted to only 1,000 units. The final pricing for this special edition is still under wraps, but securing a build slot will require a staggering deposit of €220,000. Musk has also hinted at a variant "beyond the base model," promising even more adrenaline-fueled performance. When the Tesla Roadster finally hits the production line, Musk has pledged it will redefine what we expect from electric vehicles in terms of range and performance. The company has already showcased groundbreaking battery technology in the Model S Plaid, which boasts an astonishing output of approximately 1,006 hp and an impressive range exceeding 839 kilometers. Thanks to its tri-motor powertrain, the Model S Plaid can rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.9 seconds and reach a breathtaking top speed of 322 km/h. But Musk promises that once this powertrain is nestled within the Roadster, the performance figures will soar even higher. Given that some components will be shared between the Model S Plaid and the Roadster, the production process should be smoother, though the Mk2 Roadster will no longer stand as an isolated model. Instead, it will join an increasingly competitive field populated by extraordinary electric hypercars, including the Lotus Evija, Pininfarina Battista, and APEX AP-0.
With confidence that echoes through the automotive world, Musk has declared that the Roadster will match the phenomenal 0 to 100 km/h time of 1.9 seconds found in the Model S Plaid. Yet the sports car promises to push the limits further with a staggering top speed of 402 km/h. Additionally, the Roadster is expected to achieve a 0 to 160 km/h time of only 4.2 seconds, surpassing the Porsche Cayman GTS’s performance in reaching 100 km/h. Musk asserts that the Roadster has been crafted to deliver a definitive blow to gasoline-powered vehicles. In fact, Tesla boldly claims on their website that the Roadster is set to become "the quickest car in the world." Much like the Model S Plaid, the Roadster's architecture will feature dual electric motors on the rear axle and one on the front, collectively generating a staggering torque of around 13,559 Nm. Tesla’s ambitious goal is for the Roadster to conquer the quarter-mile in just 8.8 seconds, making it the first production car ever to break through the nine-second barrier. Yet, Tesla has designed the Roadster with more than just heart-pounding speed in mind. To power this beast, it will utilize a colossal 200 kWh battery pack, nearly double the capacity found in any other electric vehicle on the market today. This cutting-edge battery is predicted to deliver an unbelievable range of 997 kilometers.
While Tesla has yet to fully divulge the intricacies of how they plan to achieve such an astounding range from this battery pack, they previously hinted at a transition from conventional cylindrical cells to a more energy-efficient "shingle-lattice" design. These innovative batteries are engineered to store greater amounts of energy while maintaining the same compact size as previous models. Due to the introduction of silicon anodes versus traditional graphite ones, these cells should also be cheaper to manufacture. Despite the focus on range and performance, the Roadster is designed to be more than just a speed machine. It features a 2+2 seating arrangement, although Musk has humorously noted that "giant people" may find the rear seats a tight fit. However, he assures customers that there will be ample storage in both the front and rear compartments. True to its name, the Roadster sports a convertible roof, in this case featuring a manually removable glass panel that can be stored in the trunk rather than a fully retractable hardtop. While Tesla has yet to unveil the interior details, the anticipation continues to build. What do you think of the Tesla Roadster’s claimed performance figures?