EVwire brief: Tesla could unveil its redesigned Roadster as early as this month, nearly a decade after the company first revealed the next-generation sports car.
The Information, citing people familiar with the plans, reported that the event could include a demonstration of a limited-edition Roadster equipped with cold-gas thrusters developed with SpaceX. The demonstration is expected to take place at SpaceX's test site in McGregor, Texas. Tesla did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
The next-gen Roadster was first revealed in 2017. It has changed a lot since then.
The redesigned Roadster is reportedly being developed in both a standard version and a limited SpaceX-branded version. The two are expected to share a similar appearance, while the thruster-equipped variant is reportedly not expected to be street legal and could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or potentially more.
The Roadster program has changed substantially since its 2017 unveiling. Tesla originally targeted deliveries for 2020 and initially took $50,000 deposits for the standard car and $250,000 for the Founder's Series. The program has since evolved into a new carbon-fiber hypercar after Tesla abandoned an earlier approach based on Model S Plaid components.
Tesla's updated Roadster trademark hints at the car's new shape. (Source: Tesla via USPTO)
Context:
Tesla executives confirmed in May that the next-generation Roadster will be built in Texas, adding another piece to the puzzle surrounding the long-delayed vehicle. Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy said the company had already made initial plans for Texas production.
Tesla first unveiled the Roadster in 2017, promising a 1.9-second 0-60 mph time. Elon Musk later said the optional SpaceX-inspired cold-gas thruster package could potentially push the car below one second from 0-60 mph.
Source: Reuters, citing The Information
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