Tesla unveils redesigned Roadster with SpaceX thrusters, production set for 2028
Summary
Tesla unveiled a redesigned version of its next-generation Roadster in Waco, Texas, on October 15, 2026, nearly nine years after it first showcased the sports electric vehicle. The new model features SpaceX-derived thrusters that allow it to perform unique maneuvers, such as driving upside down, although the legality of these capabilities on public roads remains uncertain. This unveiling comes amidst Tesla's strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence-led self-driving technology and robotics, leading the company to cease the sale of certain models to concentrate on projects like the Optimus humanoid robots. Despite its long development timeline and Musk's dismissal of its financial impact, analysts believe the Roadster will serve as a "halo car" to showcase Tesla's engineering prowess.