The Tesla Roadster, a name synonymous with the dawn of Tesla itself, has been long awaited in its second generation. First announced way back in November 2017, the all-electric supercar remains a project in development, keeping enthusiasts and potential buyers in eager anticipation. With recent updates from CEO Elon Musk hinting at a 2025 release, alongside some truly staggering performance claims, the buzz around the Roadster is louder than ever. One of the most pressing questions for those dreaming of owning this revolutionary vehicle is: Tesla Roadster How Much will it actually cost?
While we await the definitive launch and to see if the 2025 delivery target holds true, let’s delve into everything we currently know about the Tesla Roadster, focusing particularly on its anticipated price tag and the features that justify it.
What Exactly Is The Tesla Roadster?
The Roadster holds a special place in Tesla’s history as their very first production vehicle. From 2008 to 2012, the original Roadster, based on the Lotus Elise, introduced the world to Tesla’s electric ambitions. Though production was relatively limited, with just over 2,400 units sold, it laid the groundwork for Tesla’s future success.
Five years after production ceased, Tesla unveiled plans for a second-generation Roadster, showcasing a concept design that sent ripples through the automotive world. Elon Musk’s initial claims were nothing short of breathtaking: 0 to 60 mph in a mind-bending 1.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 250 mph, and an astonishing 620-mile range. The initial price was announced at a starting point of $200,000, with deliveries initially projected to begin in 2020. However, as with many ambitious projects, timelines have shifted, and the world continues to wait.
Powering the Future: Under the “Hood” of the Roadster
Details regarding the second-generation Roadster’s powertrain have evolved over time, adding to the intrigue. Current reports suggest a substantial 200.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack fueling not one, but three electric motors. This tri-motor setup, with one motor at the front and two at the rear, is expected to unleash well over 1,000 horsepower, placing it firmly in hypercar territory. While initial claims of 7,376 pound-feet of torque were later clarified as potentially misleading, the Roadster is still anticipated to deliver a more realistic, yet still immense, 758 lb-ft of torque.
Adding another layer of futuristic appeal, in 2019, Musk teased the possibility of “SpaceX thrusters” for the Roadster. These weren’t just for show; Musk suggested they could “dramatically improve acceleration, top speed, braking, and cornering,” even jokingly hinting at the potential for brief hovering capabilities. By 2021, the target 0-60 mph time with these optional rockets was revised down to an unbelievable 1.1 seconds.
The concept of a “flying” car was further explored during a 2021 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Musk elaborated on the hovering idea, suggesting a limited hover height of around a meter above the ground, enough to potentially clear obstacles or add another dimension to driving, albeit with a humorous caveat about potentially “blowing out the suspension” upon a less-than-perfect landing.
| Quick Specs (Estimated) | 2025 Tesla Roadster |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 200.0 kWh |
| Electric Motors | Three |
| Horsepower Output | 1,000+ HP |
| Torque Output | ~758 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH Acceleration | Sub-1.0 Second (with SpaceX Package) |
| Estimated Starting Price | $200,000 |
How Fast is Fast? Redefining Acceleration with the Roadster
Elon Musk’s bold claim that the Tesla Roadster will achieve 0 to 60 mph in under one second has sent shockwaves through the automotive industry. Announced on February 28, 2024, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Musk stated, “Tonight, we radically increased the design goals for the new Tesla Roadster. There will never be another car like this, if you could even call it a car.” This statement underscores the ambition and potentially groundbreaking nature of the new Roadster.
To put this acceleration figure into perspective, the Rimac Nevera, a hyper-EV, set a production-car record in 2023 with a 0-60 mph time of 1.74 seconds. Even more impressively, a team of Swiss students developed an open-wheel electric vehicle that achieved 0-60 mph in 0.956 seconds, though it was far from road-legal.
Mate Rimac, CEO of Rimac, acknowledged the plausibility of Musk’s claim, stating that sub-one-second 0-60 mph is “possible,” but emphasized that “thrusters are really the only way to go,” lending credence to the SpaceX package’s role in achieving such extreme acceleration.
Top Speed and Design: Setting New Standards
Beyond blistering acceleration, the Tesla Roadster is projected to reach a top speed exceeding 250 mph, a figure initially cited in 2019 and still holding true. This positions it firmly among the fastest production cars in the world.
Tesla has offered glimpses of the Roadster’s design through official photos and public displays, including showcasing it at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Musk has indicated that the production design is finalized, though it remains to be seen if the final version will retain every detail of the previously revealed concepts.
The design language is a departure from the original Roadster, embracing a sharp, low-slung profile with aggressive, pointed headlights. Instead of a traditional convertible, it features a removable roof panel, offering open-air driving while maintaining structural rigidity. The interior showcases a driver-focused cockpit with a steering yoke and a curved central tablet, consistent with Tesla’s minimalist and technologically advanced cabin designs.
Release Timeline: When Will the Roadster Arrive?
While initial plans targeted a 2020 launch for the second-generation Roadster following its 2017 unveiling, numerous delays have pushed back the production timeline. In his recent announcements detailing the sub-one-second 0-60 mph claim, Musk also mentioned a revised schedule: unveiling the final design by the end of the year and commencing deliveries in 2025.
However, given the history of delays, potential buyers are advised to remain patient and consider these dates as targets rather than guarantees. The automotive industry, especially for groundbreaking vehicles like the Roadster, can be subject to unforeseen challenges and adjustments.
Tesla Roadster How Much Will It Cost? Price and Value Proposition
Since its 2017 debut, Tesla has consistently stated a starting price of $200,000 for the new Roadster. A “Founders Series” version, presumably with enhanced features or exclusivity, was also announced at $250,000. Details regarding the pricing of the rocket-equipped SpaceX version remain unconfirmed, but it is widely expected to command an even higher premium, reflecting its unparalleled performance capabilities.
Until 2021, Tesla accepted $50,000 reservations for the new Roadster, indicating significant early interest despite the high price tag. However, Tesla subsequently removed pricing information from their website and ceased taking new reservations, possibly reflecting the shifting timelines and complexities of bringing the Roadster to market.
The price of the Tesla Roadster, while substantial, needs to be viewed in the context of its performance and technological innovation. If the promised specifications are delivered, the Roadster will not only be one of the quickest cars in the world but also a showcase of cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. For those seeking the ultimate in electric performance and exclusivity, the Tesla Roadster price, while significant, may represent a unique value proposition.
As Marques Brownlee, a popular tech YouTuber, highlighted in a 2022 video, the repeated delays have understandably caused frustration. However, the anticipation also speaks to the Roadster’s allure and the potential impact it could have on the supercar landscape.
The Electric Future, Accelerated
The Tesla Roadster represents more than just a car; it’s a statement of intent and a glimpse into the future of high-performance electric vehicles. With its mind-bending acceleration, impressive range, and striking design, it promises to be a vehicle unlike any other. While the question of Tesla Roadster how much remains a significant consideration, the potential performance and technological advancements suggest it could be worth the wait – and the investment – for those seeking the pinnacle of electric driving.
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