Nine years after presenting a first Roadster concept, Tesla has unveiled a production-intent second-generation Roadster at SpaceX’s testing facility in Texas. Designed as an aerospace-inspired two-seat coupe with butterfly doors, the vehicle marks what CEO Elon Musk described as “the last human-driven Tesla car.”
Tesla says it plans to begin production, mainly in Texas, in 2028, although we’re all now very familiar with the value of the company’s promises in that regard. For one thing, pesky details like approval for road use remain to be acquired, and for another, technical specifications, such as horsepower, battery capacity and driving range, remain undisclosed.
Suction fans and cold-gas thrusters
The standard Performance configuration uses an active multi-mode suction fan system similar to the McMurtry Spéirling. By extracting air from beneath the chassis, the system generates continuous downforce even while stationary, producing a claimed 2 Gs of lateral cornering grip.
Tesla outlines two additional Augment packages incorporating SpaceX-derived cold-gas thrusters:
Thrust Package – This adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters alongside the suction fan, with Tesla claiming 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration in under one second.
Rocket Edition - An invitation-only single-seat configuration featuring thrusters mounted around the chassis. Tesla demonstrated flight capabilities, aerial rolls and controlled landings during the event. Tesla explicitly notes this version is not approved for public road use.
Aerospace materials and minimalist interior
The exterior hides concealed headlights and features a full-width light bar, and ultralight fine-spoke wheels wrapped in "Ano White" cryogenic-protection paint. Tinted copper-coated glass mimics astronaut helmet visors.
Inside, the stripped-back cabin combines white and grey microsuede trim with a central touchscreen, dual forward displays and a yoke steering wheel managing a steer-by-wire system. Weight reduction is achieved through fixed seating and extensive use of titanium, magnesium, and carbon fibre.
Tesla Roadster - Canadian pricing and reservation details
Reservations are open on Tesla's Canadian configurator, requiring a $7,000 CAD initial credit card deposit, followed by a $63,000 CAD wire transfer within 10 days. Total pricing is expected to exceed $200,000 USD, though Tesla notes specific trim availability in Canada has not been finalized.