Tesla’s top executive, Elon Musk, stated on Thursday that the company intends to unveil the production model of its second-generation Roadster supercar on April 1, 2026 — almost nine years following the project’s initial reveal.
Musk, well-known for not meeting deadlines, mentioned during Tesla’s yearly shareholder gathering that he selected April Fools’ Day partly to have “some deniability.”
He stated, “I could claim it was a joke” if the unveiling were to occur later.
The unveiling of the new Roadster production model next year constitutes a delay itself. A week prior, he stated on Joe Rogan’s podcast that he aimed to showcase the car by the end of the year.
Musk highlighted on Thursday that the vehicle “will greatly differ from the previous showing,” and reiterated that the demonstration will be the “most thrilling demo of any product, whether functional or not” — a veiled allusion to his years-long ambition to make the new Roadster capable of flight, possibly using SpaceX-developed thrusters.
Musk further indicated his belief that the second-generation Roadster will not enter production until 12 to 18 months after its April unveiling.
During the meeting’s Q&A session, a shareholder questioned Musk if customers who preordered the “Founders Series” version of the new Roadsters could receive invitations to the unveiling. These were the customers who deposited $250,000 to secure special versions of the car in 2017.
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“Certainly, yes,” Musk responded. “It’s the least we can offer our Roadster reservation holders who have been waiting patiently.”
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, was among those long-term waiters who recently tried to cancel his reservation — and initially failed to receive a refund — for the long-awaited EV.
Earlier in the month, Altman shared on X a “story in three parts,” featuring several screenshots displaying his initial reservation, a refund request for the $50,000 reservation fee, and the returned email.
“I was genuinely enthusiastic about the car!” Altman expressed. “And I understand delays. However, waiting for 7.5 years has felt prolonged.”
Musk, who has been openly feuding with Altman for years, responded aggressively. “And you neglected to mention part 4, where this matter was resolved, and you were refunded within 24 hours,” Musk posted. “But that aligns with your character.”
