Tesla Unveils New Roadster With SpaceX Thrusters, Production Planned for 2028

Tesla has unveiled its redesigned electric Roadster featuring SpaceX-inspired thrusters, dramatic aerial manoeuvres and ambitious performance claims, with production scheduled to begin in 2028.

Tesla Reveals Redesigned Roadster With SpaceX Technology

Tesla has unveiled a redesigned version of its long-awaited Roadster electric sports car, featuring rocket-style thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX, Elon Musk’s aerospace company. The vehicle was presented at an event on Thursday at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas.

The announcement comes more than a decade after Tesla first showcased a next-generation Roadster prototype. The company now plans to begin production in 2028, although the vehicle has faced repeated delays over the years.

The white, two-seat sports car attracted attention for its unusual demonstration, which included aerial movements and the use of built-in thrusters. The launch also renewed discussion about the relationship between Tesla and SpaceX, two companies led by Musk.

Roadster Demonstration Showcases Thruster Technology

During the presentation, the Roadster performed several dramatic manoeuvres designed to demonstrate its unusual engineering features. The vehicle travelled upside down along a ramp using a suction system, turned in the air and landed with the help of built-in thrusters.

Later, the car used its thrusters to jump over a truck and other vehicles while twisting in mid-air.

The demonstration generated excitement among Tesla enthusiasts and investors. However, the company did not provide a detailed explanation of the system’s commercial practicality, everyday usability or production specifications during the event.

Some observers interpreted the close collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX as a possible indication of closer ties between Musk’s businesses. The possibility of combining the companies has previously attracted attention, although the demonstration itself did not establish any merger plans.

Tesla Roadster Performance: Speed and Range Claims

Tesla executives highlighted ambitious performance figures for the redesigned Roadster.

Acceleration and Top Speed

Tesla vehicle engineering chief Lars Moravy said the car could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in less than one second. He also cited a top speed exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h).

Musk suggested that the vehicle could potentially approach half the speed of sound, making particularly bold claims about its performance.

These figures were presented as part of the unveiling, and independent testing will be needed to establish how the production model performs under real-world conditions.

Driving Range

Tesla said the Roadster would travel more than 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge.

That figure is below the range Musk discussed when the second-generation prototype was introduced in 2017. At that time, Tesla had also indicated that deliveries would begin in 2020, a target that was subsequently missed.

The latest announcement places production in 2028, leaving further development and delivery milestones ahead.

Roadster Reservations and Proposed Variants

Tesla’s reservation page displayed three versions of the new Roadster following the event.

• Performance: Requires a $50,000 deposit.

• Thrust: Requires a $250,000 deposit and is described as featuring acceleration thrusters.

• Rocket: Available by invitation only, described as a single-seat version with a full flight system.

Musk and other executives did not announce final target prices during the presentation. Tesla had previously quoted a starting price of $200,000 for the next-generation Roadster nearly a decade ago.

The deposits listed on the reservation page indicate the amounts required to reserve the respective versions; they should not be confused with confirmed final purchase prices.

Why the Roadster Matters to Tesla

Although the Roadster is unlikely to become Tesla’s main source of revenue, it has symbolic value for the electric vehicle manufacturer.

Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein has described the model as a potential “halo car” for Tesla. Such vehicles showcase a company’s engineering capabilities, performance technology and brand identity, even when they account for a relatively small share of sales.

The original Roadster, introduced in 2008 and sold until 2012, was Tesla’s first electric vehicle. Built using a Lotus Elise chassis, it helped demonstrate that an electric car could offer sports-car performance.

Since then, Tesla has expanded its portfolio with vehicles including the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y.

Tesla Shifts Focus Towards AI and Robotics

The Roadster unveiling comes as Tesla increasingly emphasises artificial intelligence, autonomous driving and robotics alongside its traditional vehicle business.

The company has introduced the Cybercab, a two-seat robotaxi designed without conventional manual driving controls such as a steering wheel and pedals. Tesla has also been developing its Optimus humanoid robot programme.

The company has announced plans to stop producing the Model S and Model X to make room for Optimus production, highlighting the scale of its strategic shift.

Against this backdrop, the Roadster offers a high-profile showcase for Tesla’s engineering ambitions, but its importance to the company's long-term business strategy remains uncertain.

Investors Await Tesla’s Financial Results

Tesla’s Roadster announcement comes shortly before the company’s scheduled third-quarter results on October 21.

The automaker has faced declining sales of its ageing electric vehicle lineup over the past two years, although higher petrol prices helped support deliveries during the third quarter.

Market analysts have emphasised that investors will focus heavily on financial performance, including profit margins and cash flow, rather than the spectacle of the Roadster launch alone.

While the new sports car could strengthen Tesla’s brand image, its commercial contribution will depend on production, pricing, customer demand and the ability to meet delivery targets.

Conclusion

Tesla’s redesigned Roadster combines ambitious performance claims with SpaceX-inspired thruster technology, creating a dramatic showcase for the company’s engineering capabilities. With production planned for 2028, questions remain about final pricing, real-world performance and delivery timelines. For investors, the Roadster’s long-term significance will depend on execution and Tesla’s broader transition towards AI, autonomous driving and robotics.