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4 clusters · 17 sources · 28 days · First seen · Last updated

Tesla Roadster production and release status

Overview

Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen has indicated that the second-generation Tesla Roadster will be released ‘very soon’. While no specific production schedule or release date was provided, the announcement follows several years of delays since the vehicle was originally unveiled in 2017.

The upcoming model is designed with high-performance specifications, including a top speed exceeding 400 km/h, a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers, and a 0–60 mph acceleration in under two seconds. Development includes a ‘SpaceX package’ intended to use cold gas thrusters to improve acceleration, braking, and cornering.

As of August 2026, Tesla is preparing a demonstration of the redesigned Roadster at the SpaceX test facility in McGregor, Texas. This event is expected to showcase the vehicle’s ability to hover or lift off the ground using a cold gas thruster system, internally referred to as ‘A71’. Developed in collaboration with SpaceX, this technology utilizes pressurized gas to generate thrust without combustion, similar to rocket stabilization systems.

The demonstration is expected to feature two versions: a standard street-legal Roadster and a limited-edition, non-street-legal version equipped with the SpaceX thruster package. Due to the extreme noise levels produced by the ‘A71’ system, the vehicle will be operated remotely without a driver, and spectators will be required to maintain a distance of several hundred yards to prevent hearing damage. While original concepts included radical maneuvers such as driving upside down on magnetized ramps, current plans appear focused on brief lift-off capabilities.

Entities

Tesla · SpaceX · Elon Musk · Franz von Holzhausen · Jay Leno

Timeline

  1. 8 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Tesla teases upcoming update on delayed Roadster

    Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen teased an upcoming update on the delayed Roadster, which may feature SpaceX-developed cold gas thrusters for enhanced performance and hovering capabilities.

  2. 11 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 11 sources
    Tesla prepares Roadster demonstration with SpaceX thrusters

    Tesla is reportedly planning an August 2026 demonstration of its redesigned Roadster in Texas, featuring SpaceX-developed cold gas thrusters to showcase brief hovering or lift-off capabilities.

  3. 15 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Tesla Roadster launch expected ‘very soon’ according to Chief Designer

    Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen stated the long-awaited Tesla Roadster will launch ‘very soon’, though no specific date was provided for the high-performance electric vehicle.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Tesla Roadster’s heliocentric orbit will bring close Earth approaches in coming centuries

    Simulations predict the Tesla Roadster, launched in 2018, will make a close Earth pass in 2091 with a low long‑term collision risk, offering a rare chance to study artificial objects in solar orbit.

Sources

assodigitale.it · dagens.no · dailycarblog.com · featured.com · finance.technews.tw · game.techbang.com.tw · insideevs.fr · insideevs.it · kliinik.ee · konstruktion-online.de · lanouvelletribune.info · phonandroid.com · promotor.ro · sydneyforeveryone.com.au · teslanorth.com · theasian.asia · wwwhatsnew.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history