Tesla Sets 2028 Roadster Production Target; Final Prices Still Unannounced

Tesla Roadster gets a new production target

Tesla presented its redesigned Roadster on October 15, 2026, and said production would begin in 2028. That timing remains a company target, with no customer delivery date established.

The announcement follows a missed deadline. Tesla first unveiled the second-generation Roadster in 2017 with an initial release target of 2020. That history gives prospective buyers reason to distinguish the latest production plan from a firm delivery commitment.

An upside-down demonstration, with SpaceX involvement

The event demonstration showed the Roadster using suction to drive upside down on a ramp, then landing with thrusters. Reuters reported that the demonstrated two-seat car was developed in collaboration with SpaceX.

Tesla's reservation page also described an invitation-only, single-seat Rocket version with a full flight system, according to Reuters. That listing describes a separate variant from the two-seat vehicle demonstrated at the event.

Reservation deposits leave the full cost unanswered

After the event, Tesla's reservation page listed a $50,000 deposit for the Performance version, Reuters reported. The Thrust version requires a $250,000 reservation deposit and is described by Tesla as having acceleration thrusters.

Those amounts are reservation deposits, not announced purchase prices. Executives did not provide final vehicle prices at the event, leaving buyers without a confirmed full cost.

For prospective buyers, the next useful details are final prices and customer delivery dates. Tesla has set a target for starting production; when a reserved Roadster will reach its owner remains unspecified.