Tesla is finally preparing to reveal the production version of its long-awaited Roadster, with the electric supercar set to break cover on 1 October.
The announcement comes almost nine years after the second-generation Roadster was first shown to the public and around six years after it was originally expected to go on sale.
Tesla has released a teaser for the event alongside the slogan ‘Go for launch’, a phrase that could be a nod to the Roadster's most unusual feature: optional rocket thrusters.
Tesla Roadster could accelerate from 0-60mph in 1.1 seconds
When the Roadster concept was unveiled in 2017, Tesla promised performance figures that were extraordinary even by today's standards.
The planned 2+2 convertible was originally claimed to be capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just 1.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of more than 250mph and travelling up to 620 miles on a single charge.
Those figures would still make the Roadster one of the most capable electric cars on sale.
However, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously suggested that the Roadster could go even further, with an optional package of rocket thrusters potentially cutting its 0-60mph time to just 1.1 seconds.
The thrusters are reportedly being developed by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Musk.
That would give the Roadster acceleration approaching levels usually associated with racing cars and specialist track machinery. Musk has even claimed the car could be almost twice as quick from 0-60mph as a Formula 1 car.
Roadster has faced years of delays
The second-generation Roadster was unveiled unexpectedly at the launch of Tesla's Semi electric lorry in 2017.
At the time, Tesla said the car would arrive in 2020. That target was later pushed back repeatedly, with launch plans moving through 2022, 2023 and 2024 before updates became increasingly rare.
Tesla subsequently focused its attention on other projects, including the Cybertruck and the company's autonomous Cybercab.
Now, however, the Roadster appears to be moving towards its long-awaited production debut.
Musk announced the 1 October event on X, while a countdown on Tesla's website indicates that the unveiling is scheduled for 19:30 local time in Texas. That translates to approximately 01:30am UK time on 2 October.
Radical new design expected
Tesla's teaser image gives away very little, although it does appear to show exhaust plumes coming from the rear of the car.
The image also appears to confirm that the production Roadster will look significantly different from the original 2017 concept.
The first concept featured a relatively understated design, with a smooth, minimalist shape influenced by Tesla's existing range.
The latest teaser appears to show a more aggressive car, with a full-width rear light bar and a large rear wing.
Tesla has yet to confirm the full technical specification of the production model, so it remains to be seen whether the original performance and range claims will survive into production.
Could the Roadster float?
The choice of Waco, Texas, as the location for the unveiling has also sparked speculation.
The city is home to Lake Waco, leading to suggestions that Tesla could demonstrate another unusual feature at the event.
Musk previously claimed that the Cybertruck could potentially "serve briefly as a boat", although that capability was never properly delivered as a production feature.
Whether the Roadster will have any ability to travel across water remains unclear, and Tesla has not confirmed that such a demonstration is planned.
Roadster deposit holders invited to reveal
Tesla has invited customers who previously placed deposits for the Roadster to attend the 1 October event.
The invitations are non-transferable, although Tesla has not revealed how many deposits have been taken for the car during its unusually long development period.
When the Roadster was first announced, Tesla suggested that prices would start at around £150,000, while the limited Founders Series model was expected to cost approximately £185,000.
Given the length of the development programme and the changes made to the car, it remains to be seen whether those prices will still apply.
Tesla Roadster and Jaguar Type 01 set for major EV showdown
The Roadster's reveal could also make for an interesting week in the electric-car market.
Tesla's event comes in the same week that the long-awaited Jaguar Type 01 is expected to be revealed, potentially making it a significant few days for new electric performance cars.
Musk has previously criticised Jaguar's decision to reinvent itself as an electric-only luxury brand. Following Jaguar's 2024 ‘Copy Nothing’ rebrand campaign, Musk posted on X asking the company: "Do you sell cars?"
It is not known whether Tesla deliberately chose the Roadster's reveal date to coincide with Jaguar's plans.
Either way, the timing could create plenty of headlines.
After almost a decade of delays, the bigger question is whether Tesla can finally turn the Roadster from an ambitious concept into a production car.
If the promised performance figures and rocket-assisted acceleration make it into the final specification, Tesla's flagship could still be one of the most extraordinary electric cars ever produced.