Tesla is set to showcase its next-generation electric sports car near SpaceX’s McGregor test site in Texas, with the event scheduled for a live broadcast on X.
Tesla is scheduled to demonstrate its next-generation Roadster on October 16, 2026, near SpaceX’s McGregor test site in Waco, Texas. The event marks a major step for the electric sports car, which Tesla first unveiled as a prototype in 2017.
According to the event details provided, the livestream is scheduled to begin at 6:25 AM IST on October 16. Viewers in India can watch the demonstration on X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk.
Tesla Roadster: Expected Price and Reservations
Tesla introduced the second-generation Roadster in 2017 with a stated price of $200,000. The company initially planned to begin deliveries in 2020, but the launch was delayed. The supplied information does not confirm a revised price or a new delivery schedule.
Reservations reportedly remain open with a $50,000 deposit. However, prospective buyers should check Tesla’s official channels for the latest reservation terms and availability.
Tesla Roadster: Performance and Range Claims
When Tesla first presented the Roadster, Elon Musk said the four-seat electric sports car would offer a range of up to 620 miles, or around 1,000 km, on a single charge.
In 2024, Musk said on X that Tesla had redesigned the car. He also claimed that the new Roadster would accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (around 100 km/h) in less than one second. These figures are company claims and have not been independently verified in the information provided.
Musk also described the vehicle as a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX. Further technical details and performance demonstrations are expected to be of interest during the showcase.
Why the Roadster Matters to Tesla
The Roadster has significance beyond its expected sales. Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein described it as a potential halo car for Tesla. A halo car is a high-performance vehicle designed to showcase a company’s engineering and technology.
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Goldstein expects Tesla to sell around 2,000 Roadsters annually. That would be a small share of the company’s overall vehicle sales. Tesla sold approximately 1.6 million vehicles last year, according to the supplied information.
Musk previously played down the Roadster’s financial importance, describing it in 2023 as a “small potato situation”. He said the vehicle would not have a major effect on Tesla’s finances.
From the Original Roadster to the New Model
Tesla launched its original Roadster in 2008 and sold it until 2012. The electric sports car used a Lotus Elise chassis and helped establish Tesla as a manufacturer of performance electric vehicles.
Since then, the company has expanded its range with models such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y. The next-generation Roadster is expected to occupy a different position, focusing on high performance and advanced technology.
Tesla’s Changing Focus on Robotics and Self-Driving Technology
The Roadster demonstration comes as Tesla places greater emphasis on artificial intelligence, self-driving technology and robotics. The company has also introduced the Cybercab, a two-seat robotaxi designed without conventional manual driving controls such as a steering wheel and pedals.
Tesla’s broader strategy has raised the importance of how it balances vehicle development with its newer technology projects. The Roadster provides an opportunity to demonstrate its electric vehicle engineering while attracting attention to its performance ambitions.
What Happens Next?
The next-generation Tesla Roadster is scheduled for a live demonstration on October 16, 2026. The broadcast is expected to provide an opportunity to see the vehicle and learn more about its design and performance.
However, the demonstration alone does not confirm a customer delivery date, final specifications or an updated price. Buyers and enthusiasts will need to wait for Tesla’s official announcements for those details.
