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Tesla Roadster Production on the Horizon? Chief Designer Hints at Imminent Launch

Tesla’s second-generation Roadster, first unveiled in 2017, has faced repeated delays, but Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen recently indicated the electric supercar will launch 'very soon.' Tesla has yet to confirm a production timeline, leaving pre-order customers who placed deposits of up to $250,000 waiting nearly a decade.

Editorial Team8/20/2026Updated 8/20/2026

Chief Designer Offers Optimistic Signal, But Production Timeline Remains Unclear

Tesla’s second-generation Roadster has once again drawn attention as its production plans resurface. Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen stated in mid-August on *Jay Leno’s Garage* that the long-delayed electric supercar would be released 'very soon.' He noted that the Roadster’s unveiling is approaching its 10-year anniversary but did not disclose a specific launch date or production progress. Tesla has yet to update its delivery timeline, leaving pre-order customers who paid deposits of nearly $250,000 in limbo.

The Roadster was first revealed in November 2017, with Tesla initially promising production by 2020 and accepting pre-orders with deposits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. However, the 2020 production target was missed, and subsequent delivery timelines have been repeatedly postponed. Holzhausen acknowledged in the interview that the Roadster’s unveiling is nearing its 10-year mark but did not clarify whether the vehicle would launch before November 2027.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated during a Q4 2024 earnings call that the Roadster is not a current priority for the company, with resources instead focused on artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and robotics. Despite this, recent signs suggest Roadster development is still underway. In June 2026, Holzhausen hinted at Tesla Takeover Europe in Austria that Roadster demonstrations would arrive 'within weeks,' sparking speculation about a potential technical showcase or design reveal.

Tesla filed at least three trademarks in 2026 related to the Roadster’s badging, seen as a sign of preparation for a launch. However, the company has not announced any official unveiling or production plans, leaving the nature of the rumored August 2026 event uncertain. Holzhausen emphasized that the Roadster would launch before its 10-year unveiling anniversary but did not specify whether deliveries would begin by 2027.

Resource Prioritization Impacts Progress, Pre-Order Customers Await Resolution

The Roadster’s delays reflect Tesla’s shifting resource priorities and have left pre-order customers in a state of uncertainty. Musk indicated during the 2024 earnings call that while the Roadster remains in development, it is secondary to projects with greater impact. Tesla’s official website still features the Roadster’s pre-order page but has not updated the delivery timeline or deposit policies, leaving customers unsure if they will receive their vehicles as promised.

As competition in the electric vehicle market intensifies, the Roadster’s production progress remains closely watched. Though Holzhausen’s recent remarks have given enthusiasts hope, Tesla’s silence continues to fuel speculation about the vehicle’s future. If the Roadster launches before 2027, it would mark Tesla’s first production supercar, but questions remain about whether its technical specifications, range, and pricing will align with the promises made in 2017.

When Tesla unveiled the Roadster in 2017, it claimed the vehicle would set multiple performance records, including a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of just 1.9 seconds and a range exceeding 600 miles. Over time, however, skepticism has grown about whether these targets will be met. Holzhausen did not mention any technical updates or design changes during the interview, leaving the Roadster’s final specifications in doubt.

Tesla’s recent focus on autonomous driving technology, artificial intelligence, and the Optimus robot has raised questions about whether the Roadster’s production will be affected. Holzhausen reiterated that Roadster development is ongoing but provided no further details. As the 10-year anniversary of the Roadster’s unveiling approaches, whether Tesla will announce a clearer production plan by the end of 2026 remains a key point of interest for enthusiasts and investors alike.

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