Nine years after the first prototype, Elon Musk has finally shown the production version of the new Tesla Roadster. The car was revealed on a livestream on 15 October 2026, and it quickly became one of the most searched topics online. It promises 0–60 mph in under a second on some versions, uses SpaceX-style cold-gas thrusters and can even perform a kickflip. Here is everything we know about the Tesla Roadster so far, including trims, specs, reservations and the big questions that remain.
Quick answer: The new Tesla Roadster comes in three trims: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. Tesla claims over 300 miles of range and 0–60 mph in under 1.6, 0.9 and 0.59 seconds respectively. No price has been announced, reservations cost $50,000, and Musk says production starts in 2028.
A long road to the reveal
Tesla first unveiled a Roadster prototype in November 2017 and said production would start in 2020. That date slipped many times. In 2026 alone, the unveiling moved from August to 1 October, before the livestream finally took place on 15 October.
Many early buyers paid deposits back in 2017, so the reveal was a big moment for them as much as for Tesla fans.
Tesla Roadster trims explained
Tesla posted three configurations after the stream. The Thrust and Rocket versions are treated as add-ons to the base car.
Performance
The road-ready version seats two and uses active aerodynamics plus a “multi-mode suction system”. Tesla claims 0–60 mph in under 1.6 seconds, which already beats the 1.9 seconds promised in 2017.
Thrust
This race-focused version adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters. Tesla claims 0–60 mph in under 0.9 seconds. It is a limited release.
Rocket
The Rocket trim has a single seat and extra thrusters around the body for upward and rotating movement. Tesla claims 0–60 mph in under 0.59 seconds and a top speed above 230 mph. It is invite-only, and Tesla’s own page says it is not approved for public roads.
How the thrusters and suction work
The headline feature is the use of cold-gas thrusters, an idea borrowed from rockets. Carbon-fibre pressure tanks store compressed gas in empty spaces inside the car. Releasing that gas pushes the car forward, and Tesla claims the thrusters produce four to five times more force than the tyres can handle. In simple terms, the car is no longer limited only by tyre grip.
Fans under the car also suck air out to press it onto the road. Tesla says this suction is strong enough to hold the car upside down while it is stationary. In Track Mode, the car lowers itself and deploys active wings powered by actuators from Tesla’s Optimus robot.
The livestream also showed the car jumping and flipping through the air, but Tesla gave few technical details about that stunt.
Design and interior
Tesla calls the new look “cyberfication”. The Tesla Roadster now shares more design language with the Cybertruck and Cybercab than with the Model S or Model 3. Tesla says it took inspiration from the SR-71 spy plane and the F-35 fighter jet.
- Hidden headlights and a full-width rear light bar.
- Flush aero surfaces and “Ano White” paint with rocket-style protective coatings.
- A steer-by-wire yoke, a centre touchscreen and two small driver displays.
- Magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre throughout, with manual controls to save weight.
Tesla Roadster price and reservations
Tesla has not announced a price for any version. Reservations have reopened with a refundable $5,000 payment, followed by another $45,000 within 10 days, for a total of $50,000. Some reports say the Thrust version needs a higher $250,000 reservation.
Production is planned for 2028, according to Musk. Given the car’s history, many analysts expect that date could move again.
What changed since the 2017 promises
- Range: about 620 miles promised in 2017, now “over 300 miles”.
- Top speed: above 250 mph promised, now over 230 mph on the Rocket.
- Seats: four in a 2+2 layout promised, now a maximum of two.
- Acceleration: much faster than the 1.9 seconds first promised.
The big questions
Experts and fans are asking several questions. First, can a car with thrusters, high-pressure tanks and suction fans pass road safety rules? Second, will the stunt features be covered by warranty? Third, how many people will actually be able to buy the Thrust and Rocket versions?
Musk himself said it is “not necessarily a safety-optimized car.” Some commentators also see the reveal as part of a wider effort to link Tesla and SpaceX ahead of a possible merger. You can read the full launch coverage on Electrek.
Will the Tesla Roadster come to Nigeria?
Tesla does not sell cars officially in Nigeria, and the Roadster will be a very limited, very expensive car. Anyone who wants one would likely have to import it privately, with high shipping costs and duties, and no local service centre. For most people, the Roadster is a car to watch rather than buy.
If you follow electric cars, see how the Rivian R2 configurator and pricing compares, and read how technology is making vehicles safer to drive.
Frequently asked questions
When was the new Tesla Roadster revealed?
It was revealed on a livestream on 15 October 2026.
How fast is it?
Tesla claims 0–60 mph in under 1.6 seconds for the Performance trim and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket.
How much does it cost?
No price has been announced. Reservations total $50,000.
When can I buy one?
Musk says production will start in 2028.
The new Tesla Roadster is bold, fast and full of rocket ideas, but it is still years from customers. We will update this page when Tesla shares prices and delivery dates.
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