Tesla plans to showcase the new Roadster in a jaw-dropping demo later in 2025
Remember the Tesla Roadster? Not the original Lotus-based one, but the second-generation model unveiled back in November 2017. Nearly eight years later, not a single unit has been delivered. Despite ongoing delays, Tesla insists the project isn’t dead—just still in the oven. And now, predictably, there’s a fresh dose of hype.
At last weekend’s X Takeover event in California, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, offered a glimpse into the long-awaited EV. He explained that in a future dominated by autonomous vehicles, Tesla wants the Roadster 2.0 to be the “last best driver’s car.” Not quite a farewell to human-controlled cars, but definitely a peak moment before we hand over the wheel to AI.
“We’ve spent the past few years rethinking everything—what we did and why,” Moravy said. “We’ve made it better and better. It’s even a little more than a car.” Apparently, Elon Musk was recently shown some demos and was “a little excited.”
On X, Musk himself teased the “most epic demo ever by end of year,” likely tied to the Roadster. Moravy echoed the sentiment, calling it “mind-blowing,” though neither shared specifics.
Specs remain outrageous. Tesla claims the four-seat EV with a removable glass roof will offer 620 miles of range, all-wheel drive, and a top speed of over 250 mph. It’s said to hit 0–60 mph in 1.9 seconds, 0–100 in 4.2, and finish the quarter-mile in 8.8. But according to Musk, acceleration is “the least interesting part.” Remember when he said the Roadster could fly? Yeah—he actually promised a SpaceX package with mini rocket thrusters that could allegedly push it to 60 mph in under a second.
So yes, the Roadster is “definitely in development,” according to Moravy. You can still order one on Tesla’s website with a $5,000 refundable deposit, followed by a $45,000 payment within 10 days to secure your slot. Prices are expected to land between $200,000 and $250,000.
Even if it delivers on every wild claim, there’s a catch: most supercar buyers still prefer combustion engines. Rimac’s Mate Rimac has even admitted the Nevera isn’t flying off shelves—EVs lack the raw, analog thrill many high-end drivers seek.
Tesla isn’t aiming for Rimac, Koenigsegg, or Pagani territory. Still, in the world of performance cars, gas-powered engines remain king. The new Roadster will likely attract wealthy Tesla fans, but its lack of engine sound and tactile engagement could limit its broader appeal.
Then there’s timing. While Tesla focuses on this niche halo car, overall sales are slipping, and its next “affordable” vehicle is basically a no-frills Model Y. Meanwhile, there’s been no real progress on the long-rumored entry-level Model 2—arguably the smarter investment for Tesla’s future.
