TLDR
- After an eight-year delay, Tesla has announced an October 1 unveiling date for its next-generation Roadster, originally promised in 2017.
- Elon Musk promises the vehicle will deliver unprecedented excitement, while podcast co-host Jason Calacanis describes it as jaw-dropping after a private viewing.
- The supercar is anticipated to incorporate SpaceX aerospace innovations, possibly featuring cold-gas thruster technology.
- TSLA shares declined 0.2% to $358.33 during Tuesday’s premarket session, reflecting a 20% year-to-date decline.
- Notable reservation holders including Sam Altman of OpenAI and tech YouTuber MKBHD have withdrawn their $50,000 deposits.
Tesla has announced it will finally showcase its much-anticipated next-generation Roadster on October 1. The electric vehicle manufacturer made the announcement through a post on X, featuring an atmospheric image of the Roadster illuminated by a beam of light with “10.01” displayed below, accompanied by the caption “Go for launch.”
The reimagined Roadster was originally unveiled by Musk in November 2017, with production initially scheduled for 2020. That deadline passed without any vehicle materializing. After nearly a decade of anticipation, Tesla has declared the car ready for its second public presentation.
During Tuesday’s premarket session, TSLA shares traded at $358.33, representing a 0.2% decline. The stock has experienced a 20% decrease year-to-date and has fallen 12% over the trailing twelve months.
During a Monday appearance on the All-In Podcast with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, Musk discussed various subjects, dedicating significant time to the Roadster announcement.
“Excitement guaranteed,” Musk declared regarding the forthcoming unveiling.
Jason Calacanis, a podcast co-host who claims Musk provided him with an exclusive preview, expressed even greater enthusiasm. “My mind went boom,” he stated. “What he’s going to show on 10/1 is going to blow people’s minds.”
Calacanis suggested that initial footage of the vehicle might appear so remarkable that some viewers could mistake it for AI-generated content rather than authentic documentation.
What to Expect From the Roadster
Tesla has historically outlined ambitious specifications: acceleration from zero to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds, a maximum velocity exceeding 250 mph, and an operational range reaching 620 miles. These performance figures would position it among the most powerful production vehicles in automotive history.
Musk has also hinted at integration with SpaceX technology, specifically referencing cold-gas thrusters that could momentarily elevate the vehicle. He described it as “rocket-y stuff.” The practical implementation of this technology won’t be clarified until the October presentation.
The vehicle will feature a convertible design and command a substantial price point. In 2017, Tesla required a $50,000 deposit for the standard version and a complete $250,000 payment for the exclusive Founders Series model.
Reservation Holders Have Been Waiting a Long Time
Tesla started accepting deposits in 2017. During an October 2024 earnings conference, Musk expressed gratitude to the “long-suffering” reservation holders for their continued patience.
However, not all customers maintained their commitments. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Marques Brownlee, the prominent tech reviewer known as MKBHD, have both publicly confirmed canceling their reservations. Following Tesla’s reveal date announcement, Brownlee posted a terse response: “Well well well.”
Market observers have recently focused more attention on Tesla’s artificial intelligence initiatives than its automotive portfolio. The company deployed an AI-powered robo-taxi service in June 2025, although adoption has progressed gradually. Tesla is concurrently advancing humanoid robotics through its Optimus initiative.
Industry speculation suggests that Optimus robots might also be featured during the October 1 presentation alongside the Roadster unveiling.
Tesla has yet to communicate a definitive production schedule or customer delivery timeframe for the Roadster.





