Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) is preparing an updated version of its Roadster electric sports car and may unveil it as early as the beginning of August, Reuters reports, citing a source familiar with the company’s plans. If the presentation takes place, it will be a major event for Tesla.
This is a deeply reworked version of the Roadster, not merely an upgrade of the original prototype. The company intends to showcase the car as a technology flagship that is meant to demonstrate Tesla’s capabilities in electric vehicles and autonomous driving.
The original Roadster was Tesla’s first car and played an important role in transforming the company from a small EV maker into one of the largest players in the global auto industry. The second generation of the model was unveiled back in 2017, but its mass production has been postponed repeatedly.
Tesla initially promised to start producing the new Roadster in 2020. The timeline was then pushed back multiple times due to development issues, production priorities, and the need to focus on higher-volume models.
The new Roadster is expected to be one of Tesla’s fastest models. Previous statements by the company suggested 0–60 mph acceleration in under 2 seconds and a top speed of more than 250 mph.
The Roadster launch could also help the company refresh its lineup. Tesla’s core vehicles—Model 3 and Model Y—have been on the market for several years, while competitors are offering more and more new models across various price categories.