Tesla Roadster 2: A Masterclass in Delays or an Automotive Revolution on Hold?

By now, anyone following Tesla’s electric saga knows that the second-generation Tesla Roadster has become the white whale of the EV world. First revealed with fanfare in 2017, it was supposed to rewrite the rules for electric performance cars. We’re talking about mind-bending promises: a 0-60 mph time in just 1.9 seconds, a 620-mile range, and even, allegedly, rocket-assisted driving.

Fast forward eight years — not only is the car still missing from Tesla showrooms, but customers are still handing over five- and six-figure deposits for a car with no clear delivery date. Is the Tesla Roadster 2 worth the endless wait, or has it become yet another symbol of over-promised innovation?

• Tesla Roadster Delays: The next-gen Roadster is now nearly eight years behind its original schedule.

• Wild Performance Claims: Promises of sub-1 second acceleration and rocket thrusters remain theoretical.

• Reservation Concerns: Despite no delivery in sight, Tesla continues to collect significant deposits from hopeful customers.

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The Timeline: From Hype to Head-Scratching

Here’s where things get murky. Since 2017, Elon Musk’s timeline for the Roadster has resembled less of a production schedule and more of a moving target:

Despite the missed deadlines, Tesla is still happily taking reservations — $50,000 just to get on the list. Want the exclusive Founders Series? That’s a $250,000 deposit upfront. Yet, there’s no word on final pricing, specs, or when you’ll actually get the car.

For perspective, early reservation holders could have bought Tesla stock at $21 per share back in 2017. That investment today would be worth around $3 million — dwarfing any hypothetical Roadster returns.

The Wild Claims Still Stand

Tesla’s ambition with the Roadster isn’t in question; it’s the execution. Musk has touted outrageous features like a SpaceX-branded package complete with 10 rocket thrusters. These would supposedly enhance acceleration, top speed, braking, cornering — and maybe even allow the car to briefly fly. As Elon himself put it: “It’s possible we could make it fly.”

While the idea makes for sensational headlines, skeptics (and even some loyal fans) have started wondering if the laws of physics, or Tesla’s bandwidth, might keep this car grounded.

The Growing Frustration

It’s not just about the Roadster either. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite has faced its share of controversies. Initially sold as a full "hands-off, eyes-off" system, it's now officially dubbed "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" after facing regulatory and legal challenges. Tesla’s refusal to issue refunds on FSD purchases only added fuel to the fire.

Some Roadster reservation holders, especially on platforms like Reddit, have openly discussed legal options or simply walked away. Others hold on, hoping that the long wait will yield a car that can live up to Musk’s audacious vision.

So, What Happened to the Tesla Roadster?

Tesla’s focus appears to have shifted. Musk himself admitted last fall that the Roadster would take a backseat to mainstream vehicles like the Cybertruck and the rumored compact EV that could undercut the Model Y. The Roadster remains a passion project, but without a confirmed date or design lock, it risks becoming more fantasy than fact.

For those still betting on it, detailed images and concept visuals of the Roadster are still available here on Tesla’s official website.