Summary

  • The Tesla Roadster 2.0, set to enter production in 2024, is expected to outperform the fastest hypercars ever made, with over 600 miles of range and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 1.1 seconds with the SpaceX Package.
  • The Roadster, Tesla's second generation model, builds on the success of the first Roadster introduced in 2008, which helped hone the company's EV-making skills and showcased the potential of performance EVs.
  • The Roadster 2.0 features a minimalist interior with a sleek carbon fiber dashboard, a large touchscreen, and the controversial steering yoke. The cabin offers enough legroom and storage space, and is packed with the latest technology such as Apple CarPlay and the Autopilot system.

The EV industry is full of dazzling models and exciting prospects, but there's perhaps nothing like the Tesla Roadster 2.0, which has left many waiting with bated breath since 2017. The hype is more than justified, since the car is expected to be faster than any production vehicle we've ever seen. The high-end performance EV, which is expected to show up with an MSRP of $200,000, was initially meant to make its debut in 2020. Then, fast-forward one global pandemic and three years later, and we have yet to see it in the market. As of now, the Roadster is set to "hopefully" enter production in 2024, likely around the last quarter.

The wait could very well be worthwhile, as the Roadster is threatening to out-perform the most powerful vehicles in the industry, including the fastest hypercars ever made. In case the name didn't give it away, this is in fact the second coming of the Tesla Roadster. The model was first introduced in 2008, and drew a large crowd as it demonstrated the potential of EV performance cars. Back then, the Roadster was already ahead of its time, with 244 miles of range and a 0-60mph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds. And, while it never really became Tesla's priority, it nonetheless helped the company hone its EV-making skills.

This second generation of the Tesla Roadster promises to take things even further, with over 600 miles of range, and a touted 0-60 mph acceleration time of 1.1 seconds with the SpaceX Package. Yes, you read that right! Should everything go according to plan, the electric convertible might very well end up disturbing the very market it initially paved the way for.

Related: 10 Ways Tesla Has Reshaped The Automotive Industry

The Fastest Production Car Ever Made, Huh?

When Elon Musk first introduced this new Tesla Roadster in 2017, he boldly stated, in typical Musk fashion, that it would be “the fastest production car ever made, period.” The specs shown (for the base model, mind you) showed a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, and a 0 to 100mph time of only 4.4 seconds. Elon further asserted that the performance EV would do a quarter mile in 8.9 seconds, making it the first production car to beat the nine-second mark.

We can only imagine what the top-trim level will be like, but if Elon’s claims turn out to be true, the Roadster might very well dethrone the Rimac Nevera, which recently shattered 23 performance records in one day. We’re thus literally talking about a six-figure sports car beating a freaking $2.15 million hypercar at its very own game! Naturally, the Roadster will also exceed the Model S Plaid, as specifically pointed by Elon and Co. As a frame of reference, the S Plaid is the most potent offering in Tesla’s panoply, with a total output of 1,020 horsepower, and 1,050 pound-feet of torque.

2023 Tesla Roadster 2.0
Tesla

We can reasonably expect to see higher figures on the spec-sheet of the Roadster 2.0. In addition, the Roadster will also feature a triple-motor layout, combined with an all-wheel drive layout and torque vectoring. To top it all off, the engineering masterpiece currently boasts a top speed of more than 250 miles per hour. Again, if true, then the Roadster will likely end up outperforming the Pininfarina Battista, the Deus Vayanne, and the 2.8 million Aspark Owl.

To make things even more ludicrous, Musk also declared that the company would offer a special SpaceX package, which would boost up the performance of the Roadster using air thrusters and translate into a 0-60mph acceleration time of 1.1 seconds. At this point, we don't really know what to believe anymore...

Related: Tesla's Three Upcoming Models And What They Mean For The American Automaker

The High-Tech Cabin To Come With A Yoke

In contrast with its explosive power under the skin, the Roadster harbors a rather minimalist interior, which is becoming the norm with EVs, for better or for worse. The dashboard is sleek, clean, and draped in carbon fiber. This type of cabin styling in Tesla vehicles is a double-edged sword. While it is possible to like it for its modern appeal, it can nonetheless fail to accentuate the luxurious aura of a vehicle like the Tesla Roadster, which comes at a hefty price tag.

On the other hand, the cockpit seems fairly practical, the bridge-type center console is dominated by a gargantuan touchscreen, which seems to replace the gauge cluster as well. The cabin is nicely topped by a removable glass roof, which is stored in the trunk. It also appears that the Roadster will sport the controversial steering-yoke, in lieu of a conventional steering-wheel. While the Yoke doesn't really add anything in terms of performance, it has become rather trendy during this decade, leaving fans divided in the process.

Aside from that, the coupe seems to offer enough legroom, and there’s a compartment beneath the center console for extra storage space. There are four seats in total, but the rear seats may not be suitable for adult passengers. Regardless of the aesthetic aspect, we know for a fact the Roadster 2.0 will come packed with the latest technology, as is customary with every Tesla. Apple CarPlay will notably be at the rendezvous, as it was introduced to the company’s fleet in December 2022.

We’ll also find the famous Autopilot, with a possible Enhanced version as well as a Full Self-Driving System. The Enhanced Autopilot is an additional package, which comes at a $6,000 fee and adds a number of features such as:

  • Auto Lane Change
  • Autopark
  • Navigate on Autopilot (BETA)
  • Summon: Helps you move the car in and out of tight spaces via the mobile app
  • Smart Summon: A more advanced version of the latter, which can better assess complex environments, and cramped spaces and allows you to literally summon your car to you, from a certain distance.

Related: Most Common Problems With New Tesla EVs

With 620 Miles Of Range, The Roadster Will Reign Supreme

Side view of a white 2023 Tesla Roadster
Tesla

With the efficiency boasted by the upcoming wave of EVs, it appears we’re on the brink of hitting a whole new level in terms of electric range. The Tesla Roadster might be the first one to take us there, as it promises 620 miles of range on a full charge, at highway speed. Provided we get the convertible EV by next year, this number should be unparalleled in the market. This doesn't seem far-fetched considering the same company already gave us a freaking semi-truck with 500 miles of range.

Tesla Roadster Performance Specs

Electric Powertrain

Tri-motor setup

Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Electric Range

620 miles

Acceleration

0-60mph: 1.9 seconds- 0-100mph: 4.2 seconds -1/4 mile: 8.8 seconds

Maximum Speed

Over 250mph

In any case, the Roadster 2.0 will be powered by a 200 kWh battery, which supports 350 kW DC fast charging. It will also run on Tesla’s 4680 batteries, which are built for high-performance vehicles. While a solid portion of the industry is gunning for solid-state batteries, Tesla is choosing to take a different path with its flagship 4680 lithium-ion battery format. The technology is expected to offer five times more energy, coupled with a 16 percent increase in range, and a considerable weight reduction.

The latter part is particularly important, since electric vehicles are considerably heavier than their ICE counterpart. The lighter frame of the Roadster might thus actually be the secret to its jaw-dropping specs. All in all, the anticipated convertible already has all the potential to be an industry legend, provided the bold claims and crazy numbers are more than pompous talk and mere ink on paper.