Originally published on ColdCaseTech.
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Then vs. Now (Not Delivered): Then: Tesla introduced the second-generation Roadster in 2017, took $50,000 reservations immediately, and planned to deliver the cars in 2020, according to Wired. Now: Wired reports that Tesla and Musk now say the Roadster will enter production in 2028 with delivery dates unclear, after a mid-October 2026 demo in which the car used compressed air to thrust itself for mere seconds.
Tesla unveiled its second-generation Roadster in 2017 and planned to deliver the cars in 2020, and Musk and the company now say production will begin in 2028 (Wired). In mid-October 2026, Tesla re-unveiled the car in a demo in which it drove upside down, jumped off a ramp and flew for short distances (Electrek). Electrek reported that buyers still do not have a car after nearly a decade of waiting (Electrek).
Promised vs. Delivered
| Item | Promised | Delivered | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery date | Delivery planned for 2020 | Production now stated for 2028, delivery dates unclear | Wired |
| Flight | Musk said the car would be able to fly | Compressed air thrust lasted mere seconds, refill takes six to seven hours | Wired |
| Acceleration | 0-60 in under 1 second shown in demo | Buyers still do not have a car | Electrek, Electrek |
| Street use | Rocket variant listed as invite-only | Musk acknowledged it will not be street legal | Wired |
Timeline
- 2026-10-16: Electrek reported that Tesla had re-unveiled the next-generation Roadster, first shown in 2017, and that it had not been released (Electrek).
- 2026-10-16: Electrek reported that the Roadster still has to go through FAA Type Certification, which can take several years (Electrek).
- 2026-10-19: Electrek reported that, despite the demo, the fine print says buyers may never get their new Roadster, flying or otherwise (Electrek).
- 2026-10-28: Wired reported that Tesla now says the vehicle will enter production in 2028 (Wired).
Details (as Reported)
Wired reported that Tesla began taking $50,000 reservations in 2017 and that the base model, which has no acceleration thrusters or flight system, still costs $50,000 to reserve (Wired). The Thrust variant requires a $250,000 deposit, and the Rocket variant is listed as invite-only (Wired). Tesla's reservation terms describe purchase prices as only an estimate (Wired).
Electrek reported that Tesla announced three trim levels, Performance, Thrust and Rocket, and that Rocket is the only one that is air ready, with cold gas thrusters mounted around the vehicle (Electrek). Tesla calls its upside-down system a multi-mode suction system, and Electrek reported that each of four fans can pull about 20kW (Electrek).
Alef Aeronautics said the Tesla Roadster became the second flying car in history, following Alef (Electrek). Electrek reported that Alef's car received an FAA Special Airworthiness Certification in 2023 (Electrek).
Wired reported that the Roadster garnered just two mentions in Tesla's hourlong earnings call this month, where Musk called it arguably the coolest demo of any product ever (Wired).
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What Is Not Yet Confirmed
- Wired reports that delivery dates are unclear and that the purchase price estimates do not yet exist (Wired).
- Electrek wrote that the 4,700kg downforce figure on Tesla's display seems potentially unreal to its author, who would not be surprised if liberties were taken (Electrek).
- Electrek reported that FAA Type Certification for the Roadster has yet to be completed (Electrek).
Sources
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