Tesla Roadster reservations require an initial $5,000 credit card payment, plus a $45,000 wire transfer payment due in 10 days | Image by Tesla/web
Elon Musk used his platform, X, on Tuesday morning to announce that Tesla will unveil its highly anticipated next-generation Roadster in April, a fresh addition to the company’s lineup as it continues to evolve throughout 2026.
Responding to a post celebrating the anniversary of the first production of the Roadster back in 2008, Musk wrote: “New Roadster unveil hopefully next month. It will be a banger next-level.” In a follow-up post, the CEO clarified that it would “probably” be unveiled in late April.
The timing could not be more fitting for Musk and his team at Tesla.
The original Tesla Roadster, launched 18 years ago, was more than just the company’s first production vehicle – it was a game-changer. Built on a modified Lotus Elise chassis with a revolutionary electric powertrain, the sleek two-seater delivered 0-60 mph in under four seconds and proved that battery-powered cars could be thrilling sports cars, not just eco-friendly utility vehicles.
Around 2,400 to 2,500 Roadsters were manufactured before production ended in 2012, per Electrek. The revolutionary EV laid the groundwork for Tesla’s entire lineup.
Musk first teased the second-generation Roadster in 2017 with specs that sounded almost impossible: 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds (under one second with an optional SpaceX-derived “rocket thruster package”), a top speed that could pass 250 mph, and a range topping 620 miles.
After years of delays as Tesla scaled mass-market models like the Model 3 and Y, launched the Cybertruck, and poured resources into Full Self-Driving technology, the Roadster has remained the holy grail for some of the auto world’s biggest enthusiasts.
This latest update on the Roadster comes as Tesla attempts to shift its lineup and seemingly reorganize its priorities.
As The Dallas Express reported in February, the company will cut off production of the Model S sedan and Model X SUV by June 2026. The move frees up some of their manufacturing resources and the engineering team’s energy to focus on their autonomous driving tech and their Optimus humanoid robot “army.”
Priced around $200,000 with production targeted for 2027, the new Roadster now promises to blend supercar specs with next-level battery range, and even aerospace technology.
Musk has already opened online reservations for the second-generation Roadster, which requires a $5,000 credit card deposit, followed by a $45,000 wire transfer within 10 days, to secure a spot.
