Tesla’s New Roadster: A Next-Gen Supercar with a Side of Drama
When Elon Musk announced that Tesla’s second-generation Roadster would be revealed on April 1, 2026, the internet couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. After all, this is the same CEO who’s famously prone to pushing deadlines. But this time, there’s a twist: Musk himself acknowledged the April Fool’s Day reveal could serve as a clever “deniability” tactic, should things go sideways. “Like, I could say I was just kidding” if it’s delayed further, he quipped during Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting.
The production version of the Roadster has been a long time coming—nearly nine years since its initial unveiling. Just last week, Musk had reiterated plans to showcase the car by the end of 2023 during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. But now, it seems even that timeline has been pushed back. The car won’t hit production for another 12 to 18 months after next April’s reveal, Musk said Thursday.
So, what makes this Roadster worth the wait? For starters, Musk emphasized that the final product will be “very different from what was shown previously.” He also dropped a tantalizing hint about the car’s capabilities, calling the upcoming demo the “most exciting, whether it works or not.” The comment seemed to nod at years of speculation that the new Roadster might incorporate some form of flight, possibly using thrusters developed by SpaceX. While details remain scarce, Musk’s tone suggests Tesla is aiming for something revolutionary.
But not everyone is thrilled about the extended timeline. Customers who preordered the limited “Founders Series” version of the Roadster back in 2017—shelling out $250,000 for the privilege—have been waiting years for their cars. One such buyer, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, recently tried to cancel his reservation, only to encounter issues getting a refund.
In a public spat, Altman shared his frustration on X, detailing a “tale in three acts” that included a failed refund attempt. Musk responded sharply, pointing out that the issue had been resolved within 24 hours and accusing Altman of omitting that part of the story. “But that is in your nature,” Musk added, fueling speculation about their long-standing rivalry.
Despite the drama, Musk extended an olive branch during Thursday’s meeting. When a shareholder asked if Founders Series preorder holders would be invited to the April reveal, Musk agreed, calling it “the least we can do for our long-suffering Roadster reservation holders.” It’s a gesture that suggests Tesla is still committed to keeping its earliest supporters in the loop, even as it pushes the boundaries of automotive innovation.
The Roadster’s journey from concept to production has been anything but smooth, but one thing is clear: when it finally arrives, it’s shaping up to be unlike anything we’ve seen before. With its promise of cutting-edge tech and a possible dash of SpaceX magic, the Roadster could redefine what we expect from a supercar. But for now, the world will have to wait—and wonder—until April 1, 2026.
No Comments