The long-delayed second-generation Tesla Roadster has finally resurfaced with new updates after eight years of postponements.

At the 'X Takeover' event in July 2025, Tesla VP of Engineering Lars Moravy took the stage, declaring the mythical Roadster would be "the last best driver's car" and promising an "epic demonstration" by year-end.

Through continuous optimization, this vehicle has transcended being mere transportation—it's become something beyond a car. Last week, we showed Elon the cutting-edge demo and technology in development, and he was instantly electrified.

Tesla Roadster prototype

This appears to align with Musk's earlier social media tease about "the most mind-blowing demo ever" before December.

Elon Musk social media post

Yet despite the bold claims, Tesla has revealed no concrete production timeline, manufacturing facility, finalized specifications, or evidence of real-world testing. Many industry observers view this as another marketing blitz—especially as Tesla faces delivery pressures and intensifying competition.

A History of Broken Promises

This isn't the Roadster's first revival. Since its 2017 debut, the sequel's narrative has oscillated between hype and disappointment.

Musk unexpectedly unveiled the Roadster prototype at the Tesla Semi truck launch. Its specifications remain staggering even today: 0-100 km/h in 2.1 seconds, a top speed exceeding 400 km/h, and 1,000+ km range. The SpaceX package version promised to push physical limits with 10 cold-gas thrusters enabling sub-1-second acceleration. Preorders opened immediately at $46,000.

Tesla Roadster exterior

Musk pledged 2020 deliveries. Instead, the car entered a cycle of perpetual delays.

2020: Missed. 2021: Blamed on supply chains. 2022: Pushed again. 2023: Musk admitted it "wasn't ready." Each postponement came with fresh technical promises, yet zero production.

Early 2024, Musk tweeted Roadster would launch late that year for 2025 deliveries, boasting: "It'll be the world's first sub-1-second 0-100 km/h production car—you've never felt anything like it." The hype quickly faded without tangible progress.

▲ Roadster interior

Space Oddity

Amid the delays, a bizarre 2025 footnote emerged: NASA astronomers temporarily cataloged object "2018 CN41" as a potentially hazardous asteroid before realizing it was Musk's spaceborne first-gen Roadster—launched in 2018 aboard a Falcon Heavy with its "Starman" dummy—still orbiting the sun.

Roadster in space ▲ The floating Roadster (Image: SpaceX)

Competitors Seize the Opportunity

Meanwhile, competitors are circling: UK startup Longbow Motors—founded by ex-Tesla engineers—announced a 2026 electric Speedster roadster, aiming to "beat Roadster to market" in the performance EV space.

Longbow Motors Speedster

Legacy of the Original

The original 2008 Roadster—a Lotus Elise-based pioneer with a 53 kWh battery and 320 km range—sold just 2,450 units but birthed the modern EV era. It was Musk's entry point into the auto industry, step one of his "sports cars first, then mass-market" master plan.

First-generation Roadster ▲ First-gen Roadster

Eight years since its successor's reveal, the Roadster's journey from showstopper to vaporware mirrors Tesla's own turbulence. With declining profits, stock volatility, and Musk's divided attention, the once-revolutionary Roadster's chances of ever reaching production seem to be diminishing faster than its promised acceleration.

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