Tesla CEO Elon Musk has revealed that the long-awaited production of the Tesla Roadster is set to commence this year, with Musk boasting that the electric vehicle will achieve 0-60mph in under a second.
This revelation follows a more than six-year wait since the initial unveiling, during which the Roadster was initially touted to achieve the 0-60mph feat in 1.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250mph and a remarkable range of 620 miles.
Despite numerous delays, attributed to Tesla's focus on other models such as the Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck, the Roadster has had a timetable similar to the seemingly always-delayed TVR Griffith.
Recent news had indicated another delay, this time linked to Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot project. However, Musk took to Twitter to announce a radical increase in design goals for the new Roadster. He stated, “Tonight, we radically increased the design goals for the new Tesla Roadster"
“There will never be another car like this, if you could even call it a car,” adding that the Roadster would be a “collab” between Tesla and his SpaceX, rocket company.
“Production design complete and unveil end of year, aiming to ship next yea[r],” he continued. “I think it has a shot at being the most mind-blowing product demo of all time.”
In response to inquiries about the speed of the vehicle, Musk confirmed the sub-second 0-60mph capability, stating "and that is the least interesting part".
While the language is bold, there remains anticipation and hope that Tesla can deliver on these ambitious promises.