Tesla Asserts New Roadster Will Be the Ultimate Driver-Centric Supercar
Think back to the original Tesla Roadster, which drew inspiration from the Lotus Elise. Now, Tesla is introducing its second-generation Roadster, first revealed in November 2017. Nearly eight years later, deliveries haven’t begun, but the project remains active despite numerous delays. Tesla has recently provided an update, continuing to build anticipation.
During the X Takeover event in California last weekend, Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, shed light on the progress of the revamped Roadster. With Tesla advancing towards full autonomous driving, Moravy described the Roadster 2.0 as the "final premier driver-operated vehicle" before automation takes over. He envisions a scenario where manual driving becomes a luxury, positioning the Roadster as the pinnacle of driver-focused electric vehicles.
“In recent years, we’ve thoroughly reevaluated our approach to create an exceptional and thrilling final driver-centric car. Continuous improvements have been made, elevating it beyond a mere vehicle. Last week, we showcased some impressive demonstrations and technologies to Elon, and he was visibly excited,” Moravy stated.
Elon Musk has hinted at an "unprecedented demonstration" by the year's end, likely referring to the new Roadster. Moravy echoed this excitement, describing the upcoming demo as "incredibly impressive" and "astonishing," though specifics remain undisclosed.
The Roadster is designed as a four-seater electric vehicle with a detachable glass roof, boasting a range of 620 miles, all-wheel drive, and a top speed surpassing 250 mph. Tesla claims the standard model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds and reach 100 mph in 4.2 seconds, completing a quarter-mile in 8.8 seconds. However, Musk emphasized in a previous post that acceleration is “the least interesting aspect” of the vehicle.
Given Tesla’s ambitious claims—such as the Roadster potentially achieving 60 mph in under a second using rocket thrusters—we remain skeptical. This represents yet another installment in a long history of promoting a car that remains unavailable for purchase. Musk has previously stated, “there will never be another car like this, if you could even call it a car,” highlighting the unique and experimental nature of the project.
Despite the skepticism, Moravy assures that the Roadster is actively being developed and is a "fantastic product." Tesla's website still accepts orders with a fully refundable $5,000 deposit, followed by an additional $45,000 within ten days to secure production. The expected price range is between $200,000 and $250,000, depending on the chosen specifications.
Even if the Roadster meets Tesla’s ambitious targets, a significant challenge remains: attracting supercar enthusiasts to electric vehicles. Many high-end buyers still prefer traditional combustion engines, particularly those with mid-mounted setups. Mate Rimac, founder of Rimac Automobili, has acknowledged slow sales for the Nevera, citing a desire for a more traditional driving experience among affluent customers.
Tesla isn't directly competing with Rimac or brands like Koenigsegg and Pagani, which have largely steered clear of electric drivetrains. However, in the luxury performance segment, gasoline engines still hold a strong appeal regardless of the price. The new Roadster is likely to attract primarily wealthy Tesla fans, as the absence of engine sound and tactile feedback may limit its wider attractiveness, especially given its high cost.
Timing is another concern. Some argue that Tesla should prioritize more mainstream models over a niche flagship like the Roadster. Recent sales data shows a decline, and the next "affordable" model is essentially a simplified Model Y. This less feature-rich crossover may not significantly boost Tesla's market position or aid in recovery.
Focusing resources on a Model 2 or a similar affordable vehicle might yield better results than continuing to develop a low-volume product like the Roadster. Although there are rumors of an entry-level Tesla in the works, persistent silence suggests it won’t be available in the near future.
