Tesla Pushes Roadster 2 Reveal to April Fools’ Day
▼ Summary
– Tesla will reveal the production version of its second-generation Roadster on April 1, 2026, nearly nine years after the project was first announced.
– Musk chose April Fools’ Day for the reveal to allow for potential deniability if the deadline is missed, acknowledging his history of delays.
– The production version will differ significantly from previous demonstrations and may include flying capabilities with SpaceX-built thrusters.
– Production of the Roadster is not expected to begin until 12 to 18 months after the April 2026 reveal event.
– Long-time reservation holders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, have faced significant delays, with Altman recently receiving a refund after a publicized issue.
Tesla has officially scheduled the unveiling of its highly anticipated second-generation Roadster supercar for April 1, 2026. This announcement, made by CEO Elon Musk during the company’s annual shareholder meeting, places the reveal nearly nine years after the vehicle was first introduced. Musk, known for his ambitious timelines, chose April Fools’ Day for the event, humorously noting it offers “some deniability” should further delays occur.
The decision to present the production version next year itself marks a postponement. Just a week earlier, Musk had told Joe Rogan’s audience he intended to showcase the car before the end of this year. During the meeting, Musk emphasized that the final Roadster “will be very different from what was shown previously.” He also teased the upcoming demonstration as potentially the “most exciting, whether it works or not, demo ever of any product,” alluding to long-standing rumors that the Roadster might incorporate flight capabilities, possibly using technology from SpaceX.
Musk projected that full-scale production of the new Roadster would not begin until 12 to 18 months following the April 2026 reveal. This timeline suggests customers may face an even longer wait before taking delivery.
A shareholder inquired whether individuals who pre-ordered the exclusive “Founders Series” Roadster back in 2017, at a cost of $250,000, could receive invitations to the reveal event. Musk agreed, stating, “Sure, absolutely. It’s the least we can do for our long-suffering Roadster reservation holders.”
The issue of prolonged waiting times was highlighted recently by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who publicly shared his attempt to cancel his Roadster reservation and obtain a refund for his $50,000 deposit. Altman posted a series of screenshots on X detailing his initial reservation, his refund request, and an email that initially bounced back. He expressed his initial excitement for the vehicle but noted, “I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.”
Musk, who has a history of public disagreements with Altman, responded on the platform, stating, “And you forgot to mention act 4, where this issue was fixed and you received a refund within 24 hours. But that is in your nature.”
(Source: TechCrunch)
