Tesla Roadster reveal: what to expect after nine years of delays

The twist is the SpaceX link. Musk floated an option package in 2018 with about 10 small rocket thrusters around the car, and said it might "even allow a Tesla to fly". The thrusters in question are cold-gas units, which spacecraft normally use for fine steering rather than lifting a two-ton vehicle, according to tech outlet Glitchwire. Electrek reported that the demo car was meant to hover on SpaceX-developed cold gas thrusters with no driver inside and spectators several hundred yards away.

Why is everyone talking about it now?

The event was set for 7:55 p.m. Central on Thursday, livestreamed from SpaceX's McGregor site near Waco. Tesla said the stream would run on X. It was originally planned for October 1. Tesla told invitees that "given the severe conditions predicted & because this event can only be held outdoors, we've made the difficult decision to reschedule," though Electrek noted the forecast was due to clear within days and questioned whether weather was the whole story. Tech outlet Glitchwire counts it as the fifth target date given publicly in 2026 alone, and Electrek counts at least six production delays and seven unveil dates since 2017. Tesla also reopened reservations in recent weeks, again at $50,000, in the U.S., Canada and China. Not a Tesla App describes the new deposit as fully refundable and open worldwide.

What was promised, and when?

Item	2017 promise	Later change
0 to 60 mph (97 km/h)	1.9 seconds	Musk said in 2024 it would be under a second
Range	620 miles (998 km)	Car redesigned, per Musk
Battery	200 kWh	Not updated
Price	$200,000	Not updated
Production start	2020	Pushed to 2022, 2023, then 2024; Tesla now guides "2027 or 2028"

The 2017 figures also included a top speed above 250 mph (402 km/h). Early reservation holders put down $50,000, or $250,000 for a Founders Series car. One of them, Lawrence O'Connor, told CNBC he effectively gave Tesla an "interest-free loan" of $250,000. Sam Altman cancelled and got a refund, while Marques Brownlee cancelled one of his two reservations.

Does it matter for Tesla's business?

Not much, by most accounts. Musk himself called it a "small potato situation" in 2023. Morningstar's Seth Goldstein expects about 2,000 a year, against 1.6 million Tesla vehicles sold last year, though he calls it the company's new halo car. A Zacks strategist told Bloomberg's audience it likely won't "move the needle". It does land while Tesla's lineup is thin and its focus is shifting to AI and robots.

What is still unknown?

Price, production targets and delivery dates were all expected to be disclosed, but nothing was confirmed in our sources. Whether the car can truly fly, and whether any flying version would ever be sold, is unclear. Electrek said the demo vehicle was reportedly remote-operated and not street legal. The Indian business site Moneycontrol reports that a public flying Roadster is unlikely given cost, safety and regulation.

What happens next?

Watch for a firm price, a real delivery date, and whether deposit holders from 2017 get served first. Tesla reports third-quarter results Wednesday.

After nine years and a pile of missed dates, would a spectacular demo be enough for you, or do you want a date in writing?

The WattsUpNext take: Tesla's Roadster is a rocket-assisted sports car that has been promised since 2017. A great demo is fun, but only a price, a date and a delivered car will count.