The Tesla Roadster, a beacon of electric vehicle (EV) innovation and blistering performance, has been on the horizon for years. First unveiled in its second-generation form in November 2017, this highly anticipated sports car remains tantalizingly out of reach for eager buyers. Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s latest pronouncements suggest a potential launch in 2025, accompanied by performance figures that push the boundaries of belief.
As we await the Roadster’s actual arrival and the confirmation of these ambitious claims, let’s delve into what we currently know about this electric marvel, with a particular focus on the question on everyone’s mind: what is the Cost Of The Tesla Roadster?
Tesla Roadster: A Quick History
The original Tesla Roadster marked the dawn of Tesla’s journey into automotive manufacturing. Produced from 2008 to 2012, it was based on the Lotus Elise chassis, reimagined as an electric vehicle. While production was limited to just over 2,400 units in its five-year run, it served as a powerful statement of Tesla’s electric ambitions.
Five years later, the automotive world was stunned by the announcement of a second-generation Roadster. Elon Musk himself presented a concept, boasting groundbreaking specifications: 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 1.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 250 mph, and an astonishing 620-mile range. The initial price tag was set at $200,000, with deliveries initially projected to commence in 2020.
Under the Hood (or Lack Thereof): Powering the Roadster
Details surrounding the second-generation Roadster’s powertrain have evolved, adding to the intrigue. Current information points towards a substantial 200.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack fueling three electric motors – one at the front and two at the rear. This tri-motor configuration is expected to unleash well over 1,000 horsepower. While Elon Musk has mentioned a staggering 7,376 pound-feet of torque, this figure is likely marketing hyperbole and the actual torque will probably be in the more realistic range of around 758 lb-ft.
Adding another layer of futuristic appeal, Musk hinted in 2019 at an optional “SpaceX Package” featuring 10 rocket thrusters. These aren’t for space travel, but rather, as Musk stated, to “dramatically improve acceleration, top speed, braking, and cornering.” In 2021, he even suggested this rocket-equipped version could achieve 0-60 mph in an unbelievable 1.1 seconds.
During a 2021 podcast appearance, Musk elaborated on the “flying” aspect, suggesting a hovering capability of around a meter above the ground – more of a jump than true flight, but still a mind-bending concept for a road car.
| Quick Specs | 2025 Tesla Roadster (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 200.0 kWh |
| Electric Motors | Three |
| Horsepower | 1,000+ HP |
| Torque | ~758 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH Acceleration | Under 1.0 Second (with SpaceX Package) |
| Starting Price | $200,000 (Base Model) |
Unprecedented Speed and Performance
Elon Musk’s claims about the Tesla Roadster’s acceleration are nothing short of revolutionary. On February 28, 2024, he reiterated on X (formerly Twitter) the sub-one-second 0-60 mph target, stating, “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.”
To contextualize this claim, consider the current production car acceleration record holder, the Rimac Nevera, which achieves 0-60 mph in 1.74 seconds. While Swiss students have built an open-wheel EV reaching 60 mph in 0.956 seconds, it’s not a street-legal vehicle.
Mate Rimac, CEO of Rimac, acknowledged the plausibility of sub-one-second 0-60 mph times, but emphasized that “thrusters are really the only way to go,” seemingly validating Tesla’s SpaceX package approach.
The Roadster’s projected top speed is equally impressive, reportedly exceeding 250 mph, a figure initially announced in 2019.
A Glimpse at the Design
Tesla has offered glimpses of the new Roadster through official photos and public displays, including an exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Musk has recently declared the production design finalized, although this might imply subtle changes from earlier prototypes.
The design language is a departure from the first-generation Roadster, embracing sharp lines, a low-slung profile, and distinctive, pointed headlights. Instead of a traditional convertible roof, it features a removable roof panel, creating a targa-top experience. The interior showcases Tesla’s minimalist aesthetic, with a steering yoke and a curved central tablet for instrumentation and infotainment, mirroring the design of other Tesla models.
The Long Road to Release: Debut and Delivery Timeline
While initially slated for a 2020 launch after its 2017 unveiling, the Tesla Roadster’s debut has faced repeated delays. In his recent social media updates, Musk indicated a potential unveiling of the final design by the end of the year, with deliveries tentatively starting in 2025. However, given the history of postponements, these dates should be approached with cautious optimism.
Unpacking the Cost: How Much Will the Tesla Roadster Set You Back?
Since its 2017 announcement, Tesla has consistently quoted a starting price of $200,000 for the base Tesla Roadster. A premium “Founders Series” version is also planned, priced at $250,000. The cost of the highly anticipated rocket-equipped SpaceX version remains undisclosed, but it’s safe to assume it will command an even higher price tag.
Until 2021, Tesla accepted $50,000 reservations for the new Roadster. However, the company subsequently removed pricing information from its website and halted further reservations, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the vehicle’s final cost and availability.
The repeated delays and shifting timelines have understandably led to some frustration. YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) publicly voiced his concerns in 2022, criticizing Tesla for announcing the Roadster and then repeatedly pushing back its release date.
So, is the cost of the Tesla Roadster justified? At a starting price of $200,000, it positions itself firmly in supercar territory. For that price, buyers are promised not just blistering speed and potentially record-breaking acceleration, but also cutting-edge EV technology and a unique, futuristic driving experience. The SpaceX package, if it materializes, will undoubtedly elevate the Roadster into hypercar territory, both in performance and price.
Ultimately, the “worth” of the Tesla Roadster is subjective and depends on individual priorities. For those seeking the pinnacle of electric performance and are willing to pay a premium for exclusivity and groundbreaking technology, the Roadster, despite its delays and hefty price tag, may well be worth the wait. For others, the ever-shifting release dates and high cost might make them consider alternative high-performance EVs or traditional supercars currently available.
The future of high-performance driving is electric, and the Tesla Roadster is poised to be a standard-bearer, but its final form and ultimate cost remain key factors to watch as we approach its anticipated launch.
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