Tesla has teased an event for October 1 that will showcase the next-generation Roadster, according to Chinese automotive outlet Gasgoo, which cited a Bloomberg report. The niche sports car was first unveiled by CEO Elon Musk in November 2017 and has faced repeated delays since.
The autumn event is eagerly awaited by Tesla fans and is likely to fuel further speculation about a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX, Gasgoo said. The tagline "Go for launch" is a nod to SpaceX rocket launches, and Tesla has historically used live-streamed events to drum up consumer and investor enthusiasm.
Tesla, the world's most valuable automaker by market capitalisation, has a relatively slim model lineup. The Austin-based company currently builds the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck and Semi truck, and is also developing the two-seat Cybercab robotaxi, which Musk sees as central to his push to make Tesla a leader in autonomous driving.
Design phase
The second-generation Roadster has been postponed multiple times. In its latest earnings presentation, Tesla said the model is still in the "design and development phase." During Tesla's first-quarter earnings call in April, Musk said of the Roadster: "I think this could be one of the most product demonstrations ever."
Musk has long linked Tesla with SpaceX in his marketing. In February 2018, his cherry-red first-generation Roadster was launched into space aboard SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket during its maiden test flight. The 43-minute live stream, watched by millions, ended with David Bowie's "Life on Mars?" playing as the car drifted into orbit.
In a 2018 post, Musk wrote that a SpaceX option package for the new Roadster would include around 10 small rocket thrusters discreetly arranged around the vehicle. The system would dramatically improve acceleration, top speed, braking and cornering, and could even allow the car to fly, he said.
Context
Gasgoo's report, republished by Chinese EV news site D1EV, did not provide details on pricing, range or powertrain specifications for the new Roadster. Tesla has not announced a launch date for the vehicle beyond the October 1 event.
The Roadster is a low-volume halo product for Tesla rather than a volume seller. Its development has been repeatedly pushed back as Tesla focused on ramping up Model 3 and Model Y production and, more recently, on its robotaxi ambitions.
Musk has not given a target price for the new Roadster. The original 2017 announcement cited a base price of $200,000, with a Founders Series priced at $250,000, but those figures have not been updated since.
