Tesla Roadster: Promise of a demo, science fiction figures, and lingering doubts

El The Tesla Roadster is back in the spotlight. Following the latest statements from Elon Musk, who has promised a demonstration of the prototype that, according to him, could be "the most memorable product launch"The brand is thus refocusing on its electric supercar while in Europe and Spain There is growing curiosity to know if, this time, the promises will materialize.

Presented in 2017 and postponed time and time again, the project drags on. almost a decade of delaysNow, amidst performance targets that border on science fiction and hints about SpaceX-inspired technologies, caution still prevails: there's anticipation for the demo, but also many doubts about deadlines, homologation and viability.

What has Musk said about the new Roadster

In a recent conversation with Joe Rogan, Musk assured that they are "Close" to showing the prototype And that the demonstration will be unforgettable, whether it goes well or badly. He resorted to pop culture analogies again: Even after bringing together all of James Bond's cars, the Roadster would still be "craziest"., Dijo.

The executive again hinted at the possibility of levitate or even "fly" through an optional package inspired by SpaceX. We're talking about the so-called SpaceX package: a battery of small thrusters cold gas at extremely high pressure integrated where the rear seats would go, They would improve acceleration, braking, and cornering..

Without specifying firm dates, Musk hinted that the prototype's unveiling could come before the year endsHowever, he did not provide verifiable technical details about the operation of those propulsion systems in a street vehicle, a key point for its validation.

Announced specifications and possible technology

On paper, the new Roadster is envisioned with three electric motors (one in front and two in back), all-wheel drive and a huge battery pack 200 kWhTesla went so far as to publish a 0-60 mph time of 1,9 seconds (0-96 km/h) and a top speed of over 250 mph (around 400 km/h), with a target range of 1.000 km and with bets on software and assistance such as Tesla Full Self-Driving.

In recent months, Musk has raised the bar: the dream goal is to get below one second in 0-60 mph, an unprecedented figure in production. That capability would depend precisely on the SpaceX package, whose compressed air propellers They would act as timely assistance in launch, braking and lateral support.

In addition to this, Tesla has a patent for a "Active aerodynamics by fans"Several fans and retractable skirts would create a low-pressure zone under the car to "glue" it to the asphalt, generating high aerodynamic load even at low speeds.

There is, however, technical skepticism. Battery experts question whether it will fit. 200 kWh in a compact sports car without compromising weight and space, and they also put limits on range and extreme acceleration. In Europe, moreover, a system of auxiliary propulsion Using cold gas would have to overcome complex homologation barriers: currently there are no "flying" cars authorized to circulate on public road.

If it delivers on some of the promised features, the Roadster would compete in the electric hypercar league like Rimac Nevera, Lotus Evija or Aspark Owlwhich already produce 1.500–2.000 hp and blistering 0-100 km/h times, although with much higher prices to those that Tesla hinted at back in the day.

Schedule, production and signs of progress

The roadmap has changed multiple times: from a planned start of production in 2020 it went to successive delaysCurrently, realistic forecasts place the start around 2027However, Tesla has not confirmed a definitive timeline or shown a functional prototype with final specifications.

In parallel, a Job offer for "Manufacturing Engineer" focused on the Roadster. The position, based in Fremont, California, mentions design and implementation of production systems for batteries, suggesting that the project may be moving from concept engineering to early industrial development.

Translated into timeframes, thinking about series production units before the end of 2026 sounds Very optimistAnd, looking at Europe, any version with elements such as active propellers or fans would have to exceed testing and homologation additional factors that could lengthen the timeframes.

Price, reservations and controversy over refunds

When it was unveiled in 2017, Tesla spoke of a starting price in the region of $200.000–$250.000with a more expensive limited Founders series, and opened reservations with a deposit of $50.000The option to book is still visible today, although the final price has disappeared from the website.

The prolonged waiting period has caused cancellations and refund requests. Two high-profile cases: Sam altman (OpenAI) has demanded the return of its deposit, and the creator Marques Brownlee She recounted the steps she had to take to obtain it. Forums and social media are full of testimonials from tired customers who are... asking for their money back.

Tesla maintains that the reservation is refundableHowever, the lack of transparency regarding deadlines and the absence of a firm schedule are fueling a sense of uncertainty. Among potential European buyers, this situation has sown seeds of doubt. some distrust, logical after so many changes of course.

There's a big gap between grandiose promises and industrial reality: if the prototype demonstration arrives and confirms part of the figures and the technology If announced, the Roadster could be a landmark; if not, it will remain an example of how the hyping can go ahead of the roadmap, especially with the demanding European filters that every street version will have to overcome.