A second-generation Tesla Roadster was initially promised to start out manufacturing in 2020, however that deadline got here and went, and since then Tesla CEO Elon Musk has managed to announce a brand new date nearly yearly.
His newest announcement got here on Tuesday throughout Tesla’s annual shareholder assembly in Austin, Texas, the place Musk stated the brand new Roadster would begin manufacturing in 2024 however careworn that the brand new deadline wasn’t a promise.
“We count on to finish the engineering and design of the next-gen Tesla Roadster this yr and hopefully—this isn’t a dedication—begin manufacturing subsequent yr,” he stated in response to a query in regards to the long-delayed electrical sports activities automotive.
When it unveiled the automotive in 2017, Tesla quoted a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, a 0-100 mph time of 4.2 seconds, and a prime velocity of 250 mph. A 200-kwh battery pack would supply 620 miles of vary, Tesla stated on the time. As if that wasn’t bold sufficient, Musk later mused about including rockets to enhance efficiency.
2020 Tesla Roadster
Tesla on the 2017 reveal stated pricing would begin at $200,000 for the usual Roadster, and at $250,000 for a limited-edition Founder Collection mannequin. The automaker started accepting reservations after the reveal, requiring a $50,000 deposit for the usual Roadster and the total $250,000 worth upfront for the Founders Collection Roadster.
Tesla is infamous for lacking deadlines, so it should not be too shocking that the Roadster is late. Nonetheless, the corporate has managed to ultimately ship on most of its guarantees.
On the similar shareholder assembly, Musk stated Tesla’s subsequent mannequin to enter manufacturing could be the Cybertruck pickup truck, which he stated would begin deliveries this yr.
Musk additionally stated Tesla had two new automobiles in improvement and stated one was already being constructed, although it is not clear if he meant prototypes or buyer examples.
Teaser for brand new Tesla proven throughout shareholder assembly on Could 16, 2023
One of many automobiles was teased throughout the presentation. A shadowy picture displaying the silhouette was briefly proven, although the car within the picture seems just like the Tesla Mannequin Y, which can imply the favored compact crossover is about to be up to date.
One other, much less possible risk is the car within the teaser being the $25,000 EV that Tesla first introduced in 2020. It is rumored the inexpensive EV will likely be constructed at a plant in Mexico that Tesla confirmed throughout an investor presentation in March.