Tesla has revealed a redesigned Roadster as a premium electric halo car while directing its future growth towards autonomous transport.
The new sports car could become Tesla’s final new model developed primarily for human drivers, based on chief executive Elon Musk’s stated long-term plans.
Musk has previously stated there are no further plans for volume models like the Tesla Model 3, with the main thrust of the business focussing on robotics and autonomous vehicles.
However, this new Roadster could demonstrate how the brand may continue to produce smaller volume halo products to compete at the higher end of the EV market.
In Tesla’s own words: “Roadster can perform at levels unlike any other production car. It goes beyond Plaid to unlock an entirely new dimension of driving.
“It challenges the limits of design, engineering and physics to deliver an expertly crafted extra-terrestrial vehicle.”
Production of the roadster is planned for 2028, although Tesla has not announced final selling prices or a UK delivery timetable.
However, reservations for UK customers are open now.
The unveiling comes nearly nine years after the manufacturer first presented its next-generation Roadster, originally intended for production in 2020.
The new model combines electric propulsion with active aerodynamics and a fan system that draws air from beneath the vehicle to generate downforce.
Rocket version is “invitation only”
Tesla describes three configurations.
The two-seat Performance version is intended for road driving, while the limited-release Thrust adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, with claimed acceleration from 0–60mph in under one second.
An invitation-only Rocket version has a single seat and thrusters positioned around the vehicle to enable upward acceleration and rotational movement.
In a flashy launch video, a Roadster accelerated up a loop-de-loop and flipped itself over in mid air, before launching thrusters to cushion its landing. The Roadster Rocket also performed a “kick-flip” over several vehilcles with its thrusters in another viral stunt.
Tesla states that this configuration is not approved for public road use.
Other features include steer-by-wire controls, a steering yoke and a Track Mode that lowers the car and adjusts its suspension. Magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre are used to reduce weight, alongside manual controls and a fixed seat position.
The cabin has a central touchscreen supported by two smaller forward displays.
Exterior details include concealed headlights, a full-width rear light and gold-tinted glazing. Tesla’s advertised capabilities remain manufacturer claims rather than independently verified production-car results.
The Roadster’s driver-focused positioning provides a counterpoint to Tesla’s investment in autonomous vehicles.
During its January earnings call, Musk said he expected the company’s long-term vehicle production to consist of autonomous models, with the next-generation Roadster as the exception.
Tesla confirmed in its second-quarter shareholder update that Cybercab production had begun, describing the purpose-built autonomous vehicle as the intended workhorse of its Robotaxi fleet.
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