Auto Preview by Veeno Dewan
“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. You will love the new Roadster more than your house.” – Elon Musk, Tesla CEO.
The most awaited Tesla car is probably confirmed for production and eventual sale. Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the convertible Tesla Roadster is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Musk said on his X Platform (Formerly Twitter), “We radically increased the design goals for the new Tesla Roadster. If you could even call it a car, there will never be another car like this. You will love the new Roadster more than your house.”
Touted to be a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, the second-generation Roadster is meant to be a successor to Tesla’s first B1 Roadster. The new Roadster will be a fully electric, battery- powered car with over 900 kilometers of EV driving range. Elon Musk’s SpaceX company reportedly works on an optional rocket-assisted launch/handling system with Tesla. The curvy, sleek body will have a removable glass roof and room for four occupants.
![](https://drishtimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2026-TESLA-ROADSTER-PIC-3.jpg)
According to Tesla’s website, the Roadster is expected to start at $200,000 ($US). However, this could change closer to its official launch as some elements of the Roadster’s design, technology, and engineering specification may undergo improvements, redesigns, or modifications as the car develops. It is important to note that the Roadster is still a prototype concept. Let’s hope Tesla keeps the gorgeous sweeping lines and the concept version’s removable glass panel roof that stows in the trunk.
The Tesla website lists the Roadster as having a 0-to-96 kph launch time of 1.9 seconds and a top speed above 400 kph (where permitted), making it one of the fastest production road cars ever.
The powertrain details relating to the electric motors and battery system format are still undercover (Presumably, not to alert other Supercar competitors!). Still, All-wheel drive will be standard with Tesla’s setup of two electric motors—one in the front and one in the back—to power all four wheels. However, there are rumors that a highly tuned performance version design of the motor, drive, and transmission system has up to four electric motors, each driving a separate wheel. The 200-kWh battery provides up to 900 km plus of EV driving range under everyday light use, while high-speed sporty driving will shrink the range somewhat. Horsepower figures have not been revealed, but there is no doubt that they will be impressive.
The upcoming 2026 Tesla Roadster will be offered in two trim models: Base and The Founder’s Edition. However, the exact specifications of each model will be unknown when it arrives in showrooms.
![](https://drishtimagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2026-tESLA-ROADSTER-PIC-4.jpg)
However, with Tesla being Tesla, expect a superb level of technology, infotainment, and connectivity features in the 2026 Tesla Roadster. In the concept design, a large, wide front touchscreen extends from the top of the dashboard to the center console, with a handy cubby underneath for storage. Tesla will provide an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected while driving and when parked and charging, allowing access to entertainment apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, which will be fully enabled. Interiors are expected to arrive with all the features in a high-end Tesla and then some, with the latest tech updates, functionality, and the clean, neat futuristic style and ambiance Tesla is famed for.
Also on the cards for the Roadster is Tesla’s full suite of technology and driver-assistance tech, like the Tesla Autopilot and autonomous drive systems. Some key safety features are expected to be standard, such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane – departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and optional adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode.
The price tag for the 2026 Tesla Roadster is estimated to start at around $200,000 (US). However, special optional equipment, extra features, and performance upgrades may see the Roadster running over $250,000—or north of $300,000 Canadian. Keep checking the Tesla website for details on specification changes, availability, and release dates. The Roadster is expected to sell out quickly.
2026 Tesla Roadster. Expect price from $200,000 (US.)