KATHMANDU: Tesla has teased the reveal of its next-generation Roadster for October 1, nearly nine years after the electric sports car was first unveiled as a prototype.
The company shared a teaser image with the words “Go for launch” and the date “10.01”, showing the red Roadster under launch-style lighting. Tesla has also added a countdown to October 1 on the Roadster page on its website.
The teaser has renewed expectations that Tesla could demonstrate the Roadster’s much-discussed flying capability. The company has previously said the car could use SpaceX-developed cold-gas thrusters to lift off the ground.
Tesla first unveiled the new Roadster in November 2017. It was initially announced with a starting price of USD 200,000, a USD 250,000 Founders Series, a claimed range of 620 miles and a 0-60 mph time of less than two seconds. Production was originally planned for 2020.
The launch has been delayed several times, with Tesla previously targeting 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025-2026. Tesla CEO Elon Musk later suggested that production could begin in 2027 or 2028.
The latest demonstration is expected to focus on the Roadster’s ability to briefly lift off the ground using its thruster system. Earlier reports suggested that the demonstration vehicle could be remotely operated without a driver inside.
Tesla has not yet confirmed the location or format of the October 1 event. The company is also yet to provide a final production timeline for the Roadster.
