Tesla’s second-generation Roadster has been a topic of much anticipation since its unveiling on November 16, 2017. As of February 2024, the all-electric sports car is still pending release, but according to Elon Musk, the wait is nearing its end. Musk took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to generate buzz around this highly anticipated performance EV, making some characteristically bold claims.
Known for his product hype, Musk stated that this Roadster will be unique, almost beyond categorization as just a “car.” He even suggested it could be the “most mind-blowing product demo of all time.” The most eye-catching claim? The new Tesla Roadster is purported to achieve a 0-60 mph acceleration in less than one second.
Tesla indicated that the Roadster’s design is finalized, with a production model reveal expected towards the end of 2024 and customer deliveries targeted for 2025. However, Tesla’s history of delays means these timelines should be approached with caution.
It’s worth revisiting the original specifications announced nearly seven years ago for the Tesla Roadster. Back then, Tesla promised 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 4.2 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 8.8 seconds. The all-wheel-drive, four-seater was also projected to exceed 250 mph and offer a 620-mile range on a single charge.
The upcoming Tesla Roadster is designed with a removable glass roof that can be stored in the trunk. Adding to the intrigue, a 2018 social media post from Musk mentioned a SpaceX package featuring “10 small rocket thrusters seamlessly arranged around the car.” These thrusters were proposed to drastically enhance acceleration, top speed, braking, and cornering, potentially even enabling the Roadster to fly. In May 2021, Musk revised the 0-60 mph claim down to an already astonishing 1.1 seconds.
Now, Musk’s latest statement pushes the boundary even further, claiming a sub-one-second 0-60 mph time for the Tesla Roadster. Skepticism is understandable. The McMurtry Speirling, a track-focused, non-road-legal vehicle with slick tires, achieves 0-60 mph in 1.4 seconds and weighs significantly less than the anticipated Roadster.
Musk’s pronouncements should always be viewed with a degree of caution. Even the initial 2017 specifications would represent phenomenal performance.
Tesla is currently accepting reservations for the Roadster at $50,000, with the total price estimated between $200,000 and $250,000. While not inexpensive, this positions it as a more accessible option compared to hypercars like the Rimac Nevera, which exceeds $2 million. The McMurtry Spéirling is also priced around $1 million.
The question remains: Is a 0-60 mph time of under one second truly achievable for the Tesla Roadster?
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