If you have ever driven a Tesla Plaid, 0-60 in 2 seconds feels crazy. I have had friends and family go through a range of emotions feeling that G-force. Lots of laughter and usually a little fear. Shaving even more off that ludicrous time is going to be quite an excitement. Of course you can get an Aspark Owl for 3.1M that can beat it and the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 has claims it can too if you want to stick with fuel. However, the Roadster is by all projections going to be a quantum leap forward in electric vehicle (EV) technology. The Roadster 2.0 is set to be a combination of beauty, style, insane speed but at the fraction of the cost of a Supercar. Let’s dig into what we know so far and what we anticipate.
Overview of the New Tesla Roadster aka Roadster 2.0
Originally launched in 2008, the Tesla Roadster was the electric automaker’s first vehicle, although created using a Lotus Elise chassis. This car marked the beginning of a new era in electric mobility. While there were EV’s before it, let’s be honest, regardless of your thoughts on Elon, Tesla changed the automotive game. Full stop. Despite its initial success, the Roadster was eventually fully overshadowed by its more practical siblings, the Model S and Model 3. However, Tesla is bringing back the Roadster in grand style, promising unmatched performance that could redefine the supercar sector and possibility change the auto industry again, especially the high end, high performance market.
Scheduled for a 2025 release after several delays, the new Roadster claims staggering performance metrics: a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 250 mph, and a range of up to 620 miles on a single charge thanks to its 200 kWh battery.
Roadster Design and Features: What We Anticipate
The Roadster’s design based on all the Tesla releases so far is a sleek blend of function and aesthetics, crafted to slice through air with absolute minimal resistance. With its sharp, angular lines and a low stance, it embodies the essence of a modern supercar/hypercar. The Roadster will feature a removable glass roof that can be stored in the trunk, offering a convertible experience without compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity.
Inside, the Roadster is expected to feature a minimalist interior, typical of Tesla’s design philosophy. A large touchscreen will likely dominate the dashboard like the 3, providing access to various infotainment and vehicle functions, although it’s unlikely to support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, maintaining Tesla’s tradition of relying on its proprietary software solutions.
Performance: Pushing the Boundaries
Tesla’s claims about the Roadster’s performance are bold. Musk has teased that the Roadster could achieve a 0-60 mph in an astonishing 1.9 seconds. While these numbers seem almost fantastical, they underscore Tesla’s ambition to push the boundaries of electric vehicle performance into uncharted territories. If you look at some of the other claimed sub-2’s like the Aspark Owl, Rimac Nevera, Lucid Air Sapphire, the price tag is all above the Roadster, some FAR above.
Supercar/Hypercar/Daily Driver
Despite its supercar status, Tesla insists the Roadster will be practical for daily driver use. The four-seat configuration and a reasonable trunk space, given the removable roof doesn’t occupy it, are aimed at making the Roadster more than just a weekend pleasure vehicle. However, the true usability of the rear seats remains in question as lots of other supercar/hyper with 4 seats are not fun for long journeys unless your back passengers are children.
The Roadster’s infotainment system is expected to include features that all the other models have, Wi-Fi hotspot, Spotify integration, and possibly even apps like Netflix and Hulu for use during charging sessions. Let’s hope they finally change the Chess game to a better aesthetic! Safety features should be comprehensive and the best in class like all Tesla’s, including Tesla’s Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
What we care about: how much will it cost me!
Right now, Tesla is pushing an estimated starting price of $200,000, climbing to $250,000 for the Founder’s Edition. Tesla claims only 1,000 Founder’s Edition models will be built, making it a collectible for enthusiasts and investors. Roadster reservations currently require an initial $5,000 credit card payment, plus a $45,000 wire transfer payment due in 10 days. Reservations are not final until the wire transfer payment is received. So for only $200,000 plus TTL, you could own one of the fastest production cars ever built. I know that price tag is far above most budgets but if you compare the cost of other high end luxury sport cars, it’s a bargain.
When can I have it? Delivery Date Projections and Challenges
Tesla has a rich history of missed target dates, though which company doesn’t that isn’t a game changer. However, Tesla’s ambitious promises regarding the Roadster’s capabilities have not been without skepticism. The automotive community has questioned everything from the claimed range and speed to the practical implementation of the advanced features. Moreover, Tesla’s history of product delays casts a shadow of uncertainty over the Roadster’s final delivery timeline. Right now though, Elon says it’s shipping in 2025. So only time will tell!
It will be an experience to drive the Roadster not only for the personal excitement of driving a car with that 0-60 but to see how it will push the EV industry more. It potentially represents more than just another car; it’s a bold statement about the future of electric vehicles and their role as supercars and hypercars.
No, a $200,000 EV roadster will not “convert EV doubters”.