Tesla is known for making some of the most innovative electric vehicles in the world. Still, the company has also been teasing a new model that promises to be the ultimate electric supercar: the Tesla Roadster. The Roadster was first unveiled as a concept in 2017, and since then, Tesla fans have eagerly awaited more details and updates on its production and performance. However, the Roadster has also faced some delays and challenges, and its release date is still uncertain. We will take a look at what we know so far about the Tesla Roadster and how it compares to its rivals in the electric supercar segment.
What is the Tesla Roadster?
The Tesla Roadster is a two-door, four-seat, all-wheel drive electric sports car that is designed to be the fastest and most powerful vehicle in Tesla's lineup. The Roadster is also meant to be a successor to Tesla's first model, the original Roadster, which was launched in 2008 and discontinued in 2012. The original Roadster was based on a modified Lotus Elise chassis and had a range of about 245 miles and a top speed of 125 mph. The new Roadster, however, is expected to be a completely different beast, with a bespoke design and engineering that will showcase Tesla's technological prowess.
What are the specs of the Tesla Roadster?
Tesla has not revealed much official information about the Roadster's specifications, but the company has made some bold claims about its performance and capabilities. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the Tesla Roadster will have a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, a top speed of over 250 mph, a quarter-mile time of 8.8 seconds, and a range of 620 miles on a single charge. These numbers are impressive by any standard, especially for an electric vehicle that can seat four people comfortably. The Tesla Roadster will also have a removable glass roof that can be stored in the trunk, giving it a convertible option.
To achieve these remarkable feats, the Roadster will likely have a very large battery pack, possibly around 200 kWh, which is twice the size of the largest battery currently available in Tesla's Model S sedan. The Roadster will also have three electric motors, one in the front and two in the rear, giving it a combined torque output of 10,000 Nm. The Roadster will also feature Tesla's advanced software and hardware systems, such as Autopilot, Full Self-Driving Capability, Supercharging, and Over-the-Air Updates.
When will the Tesla Roadster be released?
The Tesla Roadster was originally announced as a 2021 model, but it has been pushed back several times for various reasons. Some of these reasons include the pandemic, supply chain issues, battery development challenges, and prioritization of other Tesla projects, such as the Tesla Model Y crossover, the Tesla Cybertruck pickup truck, and the Semi truck. In July 2021, Musk said that he hoped the Roadster would enter production in 2024, but he also admitted that it is not a priority for Tesla at the moment. Musk said he wants to focus on making affordable mass-market vehicles before launching niche products like the Roadster.
However, some Tesla fans are not willing to wait that long for their dream car. A group of enthusiasts called The Adventurous Club has launched a crowdfunding campaign to buy one of the first 1,000 units of the Roadster that will be produced as part of the Founders Series. These units are reserved for customers who pay a $250,000 deposit upfront (the base price of the Roadster is expected to be $200,000). The Adventurous Club aims to raise $2.5 million by selling shares of their future Roadster to investors who want to experience driving or riding in it. The club plans to use its Roadster for various events and activities worldwide, such as road trips, track days, charity drives, and educational programs.