Brace yourself. The 2026 Tesla Roadster isn’t just a comeback; it’s a ballistic revamp. Price tags kick off at around $200,000, climbing to nearly $250K depending on trim and options—the kind of numbers reserved for Ferrari-killers and Porsche-busters.
What You’re Looking At
Think of a sporty 2+2 coupe with clean lines, a removable glass roof, and the Tesla-styled execution you’d expect from Franz von Holzhausen at the helm. That design lineage stretches back to the first-gen Roadster—but now it packs serious firepower.
Powertrain & Performance
Underbelly? A tri-motor AWD system with one motor up front, two powering the rear, plus torque vectoring—you know, for the “buttery” cornering. Slap in a 200 kWh battery—double the capacity of the biggest batteries in a Model S/X—and you’re staring at a projected range north of 620 miles (1,000 km). Top speed? Over 250 mph. 0‑60 in 1.9 seconds in base form, with a “SpaceX package” that potentially shaves sub‑1‑second times via cold‑gas thrusters.
The Rocket Science Package
Yes, you read that right. Tesla’s optional “SpaceX package” includes cold‑gas thrusters—mini-jets powered by compressed air tanks inspired by SpaceX’s COPV tech. Musk jokes that it will “smack down gasoline cars,” taking cornering, braking, and acceleration into realms few street cars can reach.
A History of Delay—and Musk Vision
First revealed in November 2017 alongside Tesla’s Semi, the next-gen Roadster was initially slated for a 2020 debut. But, predictably, dates slipped—2021, 2022, 2023, then 2024—and only as of October 2024 did Musk peg production for 2025. Engineering VP Lars Moravy confirmed work on the thrusters and drivetrain is still rolling into early 2025.
Why It Matters
If the specs hold true, the Roadster reshapes what an EV supercar can be: sub‑2‑second 0‑60, a top-end speed above 250 mph, and enough range for real-world adventure. It’s challenging the best of the gas-powered elite—or even Tesla’s own Plaid lineup.
In summary: The 2026 Tesla Roadster is coming for the halo-car throne. Think glass-roof 2+2 coupe, tri-motor AWD, 200kWh battery, 620+ mile range, rocket-inspired handling tech—starting at ~$200K and packing enough performance to permanently rewrite EV supercar expectations.
