It has been six long years since EV giant Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) surprised enthusiasts by unveiling the new generation Tesla Roadster. Six years down the line, the vehicle is yet to enter production.
What Happened: The new generation Roadster prototype was showcased at the end of the event dedicated to unveiling the Tesla Semi on November 16, 2017. The vehicle, Tesla then said, would be available starting in 2020 and would be priced around $200,000.
The all-electric supercar can go from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, with a top speed of over 250 mph and a seating capacity for four. At the time of its unveiling, Musk called it the "fastest production car ever made."
However, the production timeline for the vehicle has been pushed several times since. As per the latest timeline provided by Musk in a conversation with Ford CEO Jim Farley in May, the new Roadster is expected to reach production by the end of the next year, while design and engineering will be completed this year.
"We are certainly testing the patience of our reservation holders," Musk told Farley.
Want To Own The New Vehicle?: Tesla resumed taking reservations for the Roadster in June, requiring customers to make an initial $5,000 payment via credit card and a $45,000 payment via wire transfer within ten days. Rest assured, the payment is fully refundable. However, the company clarifies in its reservation agreement that the estimated price of the vehicle is not final and is subject to change.
The new Tesla Roadster is a descendant of the original Tesla Roadster. The Roadster was the EV giant's first-ever car, which debuted in 2008. Production of the old Roadster lasted until 2012, months before the introduction of the Model S.