The second-generation Roadster celebrated by Tesla as the quickest car in the world has been delayed, according to Elon Musk. Expected to arrive in 2020, it’s now scheduled to enter production in 2021 at the very earliest.
Musk broke the news during his second appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast. He explained the next Roadster likely won’t see the light that awaits at the end of a production line until after Cybertruck and Semi deliveries begin. The former has been penciled in for a late 2021 launch, though some versions won’t be available until 2022, while the Semi — a program that has also seen its fair share of delays — will arrive next years as well.
The executive didn’t explain why developing the Roadster will take approximately two years longer than expected. Tesla has a long history of delaying its vehicle launches for various reasons, but it surprised the public and the press by starting production of the Model Y (the fourth member of its current range) well ahead of schedule.
When it finally does arrive, the second-generation Roadster will stand out as one of the most impressive series-produced electric cars ever launched. Tesla quoted a 620-mile range from a 200-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, a 250-mph top speed, and a 1.9-second sprint from zero to 60 mph when it introduced the model in 2017. Musk later promised the model will be capable of hovering above the road thanks to technology normally found in rockets. This version will be fitted with a “SpaceX cold gas thruster system with ultra high pressure air in a composite over-wrapped pressure vessel in place of the two rear seats,” he explained in a series of Twitter messages.
Tesla doesn’t do cheap — at least not yet — and the Roadster is no exception. Pricing starts at $200,000 for the entry-level model before options are factored in, but the 1,000 units the firm calls Founders Series models cost $250,000 each. Making reservation holders wait two additional years before taking delivery isn’t an excuse to lower its price.
In the meantime, motorists who own the original, Lotus-based Roadster (which was Tesla’s first car) can rely on a dedicated service team for parts, service, and advice. Alternatively, they’re being given the opportunity to trade in their convertible and use the money as a down payment on the new model — whenever it ends up arriving.
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