Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that the next-generation Tesla Roadster will be unveiled on October 1, 2026, nearly nine years after the electric sports car was first introduced. Deliveries were originally promised for 2020.

The long gap between the original delivery target and the scheduled unveiling leaves the event positioned as a test of how far the project has progressed from prototype to production planning.

Tesla announced the date on X on September 12, 2026, with a “Go for launch” teaser:

Go for launch pic.twitter.com/Khu03eiZ04 — Tesla (@Tesla) September 12, 2026

https://x.com/Tesla/status/2098843535730725124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Musk followed the post with the message, “New Tesla Roadster Unveil 10.01.” The announcement renewed attention around a vehicle that has faced at least eight delays since its 2017 prototype reveal.

Tesla’s stock, traded under the ticker TSLA, was down 1.7% in premarket trading on Monday after the announcement.

SpaceX connection draws attention

The reveal is expected to take place at SpaceX’s test facility in McGregor, Texas. The location has fueled speculation that Tesla could demonstrate SpaceX-derived cold-gas thrusters, which use pressurized gas to produce short bursts of force rather than combustion rockets.

A potential demonstration could show the system briefly lifting or hovering the car, possibly without a driver. A limited version of the Roadster may use thrusters to improve acceleration, braking, and cornering. Tesla has not confirmed whether the technology will be included, nor has it announced final pricing, production timelines, or delivery dates.

Tesla previously outlined ambitious performance targets for the Roadster, including acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, a top speed above 250 mph, and approximately 620 miles of range from a battery pack of roughly 200 kWh. Those figures were previously outlined targets rather than final production specifications, making any updated figures and confirmation of production plans central details at the reveal.

Updated design and upcoming Tesla events

Beyond any thruster demonstration, Tesla may use the event to present a more production-ready version of the vehicle and provide updated specifications for acceleration, top speed, range, and track performance.

The Information reported in August that Tesla had redesigned the Roadster as an entirely new carbon-fiber hypercar, abandoning an earlier plan based on components from the Model S Plaid.

The unveiling is scheduled during a busy period for Tesla. A Semi event is planned for September 24, and the electric truck is set to reach Europe in 2027. Tesla has also begun limited driverless Cybercab rides in Austin.

The first-generation Roadster was produced from 2008 to 2012, with approximately 2,450 units built. It used a modified Lotus Elise chassis and was regarded as an early demonstration that electric vehicles could provide both real-world range and performance.

Wall Street currently gives TSLA a Moderate Buy rating, based on 11 Buy ratings, 12 Holds, and three Sells over the past three months. The average price target is $377.08, representing 3% upside from current levels. The original article was published by CoinCentral.