TLDR
- Tesla is set to showcase a next-generation Roadster in August 2026, almost ten years following the initial announcement of the updated model.
- The reveal will likely occur at SpaceX’s testing facility located in McGregor, Texas.
- A special edition variant incorporates cold-gas rocket thruster technology created in partnership with SpaceX, which may enable brief hovering capabilities.
- The thruster-enhanced variant will likely not meet street-legal requirements and may be priced in the hundreds of thousands or potentially millions of dollars.
- Back in 2017, Tesla collected $50,000 reservations for the base model and $250,000 for the exclusive Founder’s Series.
According to a recent report from The Information, Tesla is gearing up to showcase a completely redesigned Roadster as soon as this month. The demonstration is anticipated to occur at SpaceX’s McGregor, Texas testing grounds.
When Tesla first unveiled the next-generation Roadster in 2017, the company projected deliveries would begin in 2020. That schedule has been pushed back numerous times, resulting in approximately nine years of waiting for reservation holders.
Both the base Roadster model and the exclusive SpaceX-enhanced variant are anticipated to share nearly identical exterior styling. Tesla’s official website continues to showcase performance specifications that include acceleration from 0-60 mph in under two seconds, maximum velocity exceeding 250 mph, and an impressive 620-mile driving range.
The development path for the Roadster changed course after Tesla abandoned an initial design strategy based on Model S Plaid technology. The project has since transformed into a complete ground-up carbon-fiber hypercar construction.
The SpaceX Package
The most attention-grabbing element is a cold-gas propulsion system engineered through a partnership with SpaceX. Approximately 10 high-pressure rocket thrusters are strategically positioned throughout the vehicle’s frame, intended to enhance acceleration dynamics, cornering capabilities, and braking efficiency.
Speculation has emerged suggesting the thruster system might enable the vehicle to achieve brief airborne suspension. This capability remains unverified at this time.
Due to the substantial noise levels and propulsive forces produced by the thrusters, the vehicle may require remote control operation during public demonstrations. The thruster-equipped model is unlikely to receive street-legal certification.
The price tag for the SpaceX-enhanced edition could reach several hundred thousand dollars, with the possibility of climbing into the millions. This would significantly exceed the original reservation pricing structure Tesla established years ago.
Deposit History
Tesla initially opened reservations with $50,000 deposits required for the standard Roadster and $250,000 for the limited Founder’s Series edition. These reservation payments have remained on hold since 2017.
The fate of existing deposits and the pricing framework for the newly configured models remains uncertain.
When Reuters reached out to Tesla for comment prior to The Information’s August 14, 2026 publication, the automaker did not provide a response.
While the unveiling event is expected at SpaceX’s McGregor location, Tesla has not officially confirmed a specific date.
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