The release of the second-generation Tesla Roadster, long anticipated by car enthusiasts, has been delayed once again. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the unveiling date for the production version of the vehicle as April 1, 2026, nearly nine years after the project was first publicly announced.
Tesla Roadster 2 will arrive late
Making the announcement at Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, Musk humorously shared the reason behind choosing the April 1st date: “It gives me some flexibility. If it’s later, I can say ‘I was just kidding,'” he said, referencing his own history of delays. This candid admission contrasts with Musk’s statement on a podcast just a week ago, where he stated that the vehicle would be revealed by the end of the year.
Musk emphasized that the new Roadster will be completely different from the previously shown concept, claiming that the unveiling will be “the most exciting demo of any product ever, whether it works or not.”
These bold statements reignited long-standing speculation that the vehicle could be airborne thanks to thrusters developed with SpaceX technology. Following the unveiling, Musk stated that production could begin in 12 to 18 months. This means the second-generation Roadster will hit the roads in 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.
During the Q&A session, the question was asked whether customers who pre-ordered the special “Founders Series” for $250,000 in 2017 would be invited to the unveiling.
Musk replied, “Absolutely, absolutely. The least we can do for Roadster reservation holders who have been patiently waiting for a long time,” confirming that he would meet the expectations of these loyal customers. The legendary Roadster project, initially announced with a 2020 target but repeatedly delayed, has been pushed back once again with this new announcement.
