Musk waffles about Tesla Roadster 2025 production – ‘close to’ finalizing design
Tesla CEO Elon Musk was asked about when the next-gen Roadster would be available during today’s earnings call, and his answer left much to be desired.
On Tesla’s Q2 earnings call in July, Musk was asked when the Tesla Roadster is coming. He responded that the vehicle would go into production in 2025, the latest in several delays for the vehicle which was originally announced in 2017 for a planned 2020 release.
But today, he was asked again, simply, “what’s going on with the Tesla Roadster?” And instead of giving the same answer, he gave a softer one, suggesting that the vehicle may well be delayed again. Here it is in full:
Well I’d certainly like to thank our long suffering deposit holders of the Tesla Roadster. The reason it hasn’t come out yet is because the Roadster is not just the icing on the cake, its the cherry on the icing on the cake. Our larger mission is to accelerate the progress towards the sustainable energy future, to try to do things that maximize the probability that the future is good for humanity and for Earth. And so that necessarily means that the things that are kinda like dessert – we’d all love to work on the next-gen Tesla Roadster, it is super fun, and we are working on it – but it has to come behind the things that have a more serious impact on the good of the world. So just thank you to all our long suffering Tesla Roadster deposit holders, and we are finally making progress on that. We’re close to finalizing the design on that, it’s truly gonna be something spectacular. Y’know, a friend of mine, Peter Thiel – y’know and sometimes people think that Peter Thiel and I are rivals, we’re really good friends – but you know Peter was lamenting on how the future doesn’t have flying cars. Well, we’ll see.
So, to break this down: last time, Musk said the Roadster is coming out in 2025. This time, he did not say that, despite that it would have been an easy enough reiteration to make given that he said it three months ago.
Last time, Musk stated that “we’ve completed most of the engineering,” and that Tesla was still planning some upgrades, but would go into production “next year,” that is, in 2025 (as one of the 6 big products Tesla says are coming “next year”).
But here, three months later – and getting close to the point where “next year” becomes “this year” – Musk could only say that Tesla is “close to finalizing the design.”
But then, we’ve heard almost exactly this language before, many years ago. Here’s an example from 2021:
In addition to this language we’ve heard before, Musk included a lot of hemming and hawing about the reasons behind the lack of progress on this Roadster, which some reservation holders deposited $50,000 or even $250,000 for, seven years ago now. That’s quite a long zero-interest loan they’ve given the company.
While it makes sense that the company would have other priorities than to release a supercar, the company certainly has plenty of resources available compared to the five vehicles it currently sells – and, perhaps, if it thought there were other priorities, it shouldn’t have taken $250,000 deposits 8(+?) years before release.
Elsewhere in Tesla’s earnings letter, the Roadster was listed as “TBD” and “In development” on a chart of Tesla’s current and upcoming models, much as it has been in the past.
So, no change here, despite the previous announcement of 2025 production.
Finally, Musk suggested again today that the upcoming next-gen Roadster would be able to fly, something he’s mentioned multiple times before. This would presumably take advantage of the teased “SpaceX package” with rocket thrusters which are intended to improve the car’s performance.
Given that many of today’s EVs are tire-limited in terms of acceleration (and basically all vehicles are tire-limited for handling), thrusters could theoretically be arranged around a car to add force in whatever direction is most advantageous to performance – either laterally for cornering or facing upwards to provide downforce and improve grip (which then helps cornering).
However, it should be noted that one of the primary ways to improve vehicle performance is downforce, not upforce (the latter is not even a term anyone has ever used, because it’s so harmful towards performance).
Downforce increases the apparent weight of a car without increasing its mass, which means that you gain the benefits of increased tire grip without also gaining more inertia which makes it harder for cars to accelerate, decelerate and turn. This was used to great effect in the record-breaking McMurtry Spierling “fan car” (watch the video in that link – it looks like playing a videogame with cheat codes on).
Putting thrusters on a car which enable to go upwards is at best a party trick, and at worst a waste of additional mass which could be removed to improve vehicle performance or comfort instead.
So perhaps I can clear up some of those engineering delays for Mr. Musk: stop trying to make the car fly. It’s dumb. This is not how basic, high-school level physics works.
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We’ve got huge news in the 4X4 Ford world with the launch of the first-ever all electric Ford Bronco. Plus, we’ve got a new long-wheelbase Model Y from Tesla and a full-scale d*ck-measuring contest in the world of full self driving. All this and more on today’s episode of Quick Charge!
We’ve also got a $300 million investment from Uber into Tesla Robotaxi rivals Lucid and Nuro and a suitably rapid successor to Lancia’s legendary HF nameplate – that could be an ideal new-age Neon, if Stellantis grows the stones to bring it Stateside.
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Some of the best financing deals on EVs are offering 0% APR for up to 72 months, and if you combine that with an electric car eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit, you get a pretty solid deal if you’re looking to buy.
However, the EV federal tax credit dies a premature, unnecessary death on September 30, 2025, thanks to the Republican-controlled Congress, so check out the best EV financing deals below that our friends at CarsDirect have surfaced.
2024 Acura ZDX – 0% APR For 72 Months + up to $10,000 cash
It’s not every day you can pair 0% APR for six years with up to $10,000 in savings, but that’s what’s on the table for the 2024 Acura ZDX through September 2.
For the A-Spec trim with all-wheel drive, buyers get $6,000 off the MSRP. Go with rear-wheel drive, and that drops to $3,500. The Type S also gets a $2,500 cut.
If you own an Acura or a competing brand, there’s an extra $4,000 loyalty or conquest cash offer in the mix.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Acura ZDX in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Toyota bZ4X – 0% APR For 72 Months + $2,500 cash
In many regions, Toyota is offering 0% APR plus $2,500 in bonus cash on the 2025 bZ4X when you finance through Toyota Financial Services. That $2,500 is basically a rebate tied to Toyota’s promotional interest rate.
This offer wraps up August 4, so if the bZ4X is on your list, now’s a good time to make a move.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Toyota bZ4X in stock. – trusted affiliate link
The 2025 Subaru Solterra is sticking with its usual deep-discount playbook of 0% APR for 72 months through July 31. But there’s a lesser-known perk worth flagging.
According to a national dealer incentive bulletin, Subaru is also kicking in $2,500 in dealer cash. You can stack it with the 0% financing deal, but don’t expect it to be plastered all over ads – it’s a behind-the-scenes offer, so shopping around could pay off.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Subaru Solterra in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Honda Prologue – 0% APR + $11,500 cash
Through September 2, Honda’s got one of the most generous EV deals around on the 2025 Prologue: 0% APR plus up to $11,500 in bonus cash.
Here’s how it breaks down if you finance through Honda Financial Services: $5,500 in cash off the top, a $3,500 loyalty or conquest bonus if you already drive a Honda (or are switching from a competitor), and another $2,500 on top of that. It’s all stackable. Plus, the 2024 Honda Prologue is eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit on purchases.
The catch? You need to live in California or another ZEV state to get the full package. But even outside those areas, Honda’s still offering solid cash incentives that make the Prologue well worth a look.
Click here to find a local dealer with the Honda Prologue in stock. – trusted affiliate link
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E – 0% APR + $0 Down + 0 payments for 90 days
Ford’s rolling out a “zero-zero-zero” deal on the 2025 Mustang Mach-E: You get 0% APR for 60 months, $0 down, and no payments for the first 90 days.
To sweeten the deal, Ford is throwing in a free home charger plus free installation. If you’re already set up with home charging or just not interested, you can opt for an extra $500 bonus instead.
For a popular EV like the Mach-E, this is one of Ford’s most aggressive financing offers in a while, especially with that no-payment cushion built in.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Ford Mustang Mach-E in stock. – trusted affiliate link
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Subaru today launched its compact AWD SUV at an event in New York City. With 300 miles of range, NACS charge port, a speedy 0-60 time of under 5 seconds, you could say that this is Subaru’s first modern EV, no offense to the rebadged Toyota BZ/Solterra…
The exterior looks a bit like a $100K Lotus Eletre with an off road flair. Uncharted will compete with Volvo’s EX30 Rivian’s R2S and other AWD EVs that might not be as rugged like the VW ID.4, Hyundai Kona and even the Chevy Equinox. Subaru’s lighting signature, shared with the 2026 Solterra and Trailseeker, along with its aggressive, rugged off-road styling will set it apart from the crowd.
It features new 18- or 20-inch wheel designs, as well as a high-contrast, available two-tone roof on Uncharted GT for enhanced curb appeal. At the rear, the sleek combination lamps, black badging, high beltline, and seamless rear design, complemented by a silver-painted lower rear fascia, add to the visual presence of the Uncharted. Low-profile roof rails on all-wheel-drive models add more options for carrying gear.
A NACS charge port with speeds up to 150 kW ensures convenient and fast charging options at more than 15,000 Tesla Supercharger stations nationwide. Even in cold weather conditions, the Uncharted can recharge its battery from 10% to 80% in nearly 30 minutes thanks to an onboard battery preconditioning system. At home, you can charge up to 11KW level 2 charging.
The interior is modern Subaru with rugged textile around a big 14-inch CarPlay/Android Auto screen experience (pictured below). There are 2 wireless phone chargers up front and 2 USB-C chargers in the rear.
All trim levels of the Subaru Uncharted are equipped with an All-Weather Package, including heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer; power rear gate; interior ambient lighting; and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. The Uncharted Sport adds X-MODE® Dual-Mode with Grip Control, heated steering wheel, StarTex® water-repellent upholstery, panoramic view monitor, and more. Uncharted GT will include a panoramic moonroof with motorized shade, 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon® premium audio system, smart rearview mirror, and more.
The Uncharted battery is just under 75kWh, around the same size as a long range Tesla Model Y and it will get close to 300 miles in its FWD model (boo). Uncharted Sport and GT models are equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with X-MODE, an anticipated range of up to 290 miles, and 338 horsepower which will appeal to more Subaru customers.
Full gallery below:
Electrek’s take
While Subaru maintains its close relationship with Toyota in EVs, and this is a C-HR rebadge, the Uncharted breaks some new ground. I love the NACS port, I love the range and the acceleration. Subaru’s fans might finally have an EV they can upgrade their ICE vehicle for.
That’s one thing that might be concerning for Subaru in the EV age: In ICE vehicles, Subaru makes one of the best, complicated AWD systems. However with EVs, AWD is almost table stakes at this point. Subaru will have to continue to innovate in the off road capable small SUV segment if it hopes to compete with all of the EV encombants. At this point, Subaru is a suspension and branding mod for Toyota.
The Uncharted certainly seems to be a good start.
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