Remember the Tesla Roadster? That sleek, electric hypercar that stole the show back in 2017? Yeah, us too. Unfortunately, in 2024, it’s still nowhere to be seen. Elon Musk’s silence on the matter isn’t exactly reassuring.
A Dream Unveiled: The Electric Supercar that Wowed Us
Back in November 2017, Tesla unveiled the Roadster alongside the Tesla Semi, and it was a real head-turner. This 2+2 seater promised to redefine electric performance. We’re talking mind-blowing specs: a 200 kWh battery offering a crazy 1,000 km (621 miles) of highway range, three electric motors generating a jaw-dropping 10,000 Nm of torque, a top speed that would make your hair stand on end (over 400 km/h or 249 mph), and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration that would leave you breathless (under 2 seconds). Needless to say, the Roadster was a glimpse into a future where electric cars could truly compete with โ and even surpass โ their gasoline-guzzling counterparts.
Production Realities and a Change of Course
Originally slated for a 2020 release, the Roadster hit a roadblock. Tesla, as you know, prioritizes mass production. To solidify its market position, they focused on getting their more affordable Model 3, Model Y, and Model S/X vehicles out the door. This strategic decision meant the high-performance, low-volume Roadster got sidelined.
Radio Silence in 2024: Is the Dream Dead?
Fast forward to 2024, and Tesla is mum on the Roadster. There’s been no official word on a new launch date, and any whispers about potential changes to the original specs are just that โ whispers. This lack of information has many folks wondering if the project has been scrapped altogether.
The Future of the Roadster: A Faded Dream or a Potential Return?
Right now, Tesla seems laser-focused on scaling up production of its existing lineup and exploring new ventures like the Cybertruck and those bizarre humanoid robots. The Roadster feels more and more like a relic of a bygone era. Sure, the 2022 target date has come and gone, but hey, Tesla is known for its disruptive innovations. Maybe, just maybe, if market conditions change or there’s a major technological breakthrough, they’ll revisit the Roadster project.
But for now, the Tesla Roadster remains a dream on hold, a reminder of the promises of the future that haven’t quite materialized. For those craving an electric supercar with mind-blowing performance, other automakers might have some more concrete options coming down the pipeline.