Tesla unveiled a new version of its Roadster, featuring rocket-style thrusters, and announced that production will start in 2028. This redesigned two-seater, developed with SpaceX, showcased its capabilities by performing stunts like driving upside down and jumping over trucks using its thrusters. Some observers speculate that this collaboration could point towards a merger between Tesla and SpaceX, both led by CEO Elon Musk. On the day following the reveal, Tesla’s shares rose by 5% in premarket trading.
While the Roadster serves as a showcase vehicle for Tesla’s engineering prowess, the company’s main focus is now on self-driving technology and robotics. This launch comes just before Tesla’s third-quarter earnings report, a more pressing concern for investors than the spectacle of the Roadster. Analyst Gene Munster commented that the event served more to highlight Tesla’s capabilities than to bring significant financial benefit. Musk referred to the Roadster as a “small potato situation,” indicating it won’t greatly impact Tesla’s finances despite its symbolic importance.
The Roadster is seen as Tesla’s new flagship car, which will showcase the brand’s best technology and performance. However, there were no specific pricing details revealed during the event. The reservation page noted different versions of the Roadster, including a “Performance” version requiring a $50,000 deposit and a higher-end “Thrust” version with a $250,000 deposit. A limited “Rocket” version is also mentioned as an invite-only model with advanced features.
The launch event, held at a SpaceX testing site in Texas, featured dramatic elements typical of Musk’s presentations. Musk announced that the Roadster can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under one second and reach a top speed of over 230 mph. It can also travel more than 300 miles on a single charge. This is less than previous promises made in 2017, when Tesla first revealed plans for the new Roadster.
As Tesla shifts its focus towards artificial intelligence and robotics, it has started phasing out sales of certain models to allocate resources toward developing its humanoid robots and the Cybercab, which operates without traditional driving controls. Tesla will report its third-quarter results on October 21, and analysts believe that financial metrics will be of greater importance to investors than the recent Roadster reveal.
With information from Reuters
