BREAKING: Tesla has just announced the delay of its highly anticipated production version of the second-generation Roadster supercar to April 1, 2026. This revelation comes nearly nine years after CEO Elon Musk first unveiled the project, heightening anticipation among investors and fans alike.
During Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, Musk explained that choosing April Fools’ Day provides “some deniability” should the timeline shift again. “Like, I could say I was just kidding,” he remarked, referencing his history of missed deadlines.
This delay marks a significant setback, as just a week ago, Musk expressed his desire to showcase the vehicle by the end of this year during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Musk emphasized that the upcoming Roadster will be “very different from what was shown previously,” hinting at groundbreaking features, including the possibility of flight with SpaceX-developed thrusters.
Musk also stated that production may not commence until 12 to 18 months after the reveal, pushing the timeline for eager customers back even further.
During the meeting, a shareholder inquired if those who pre-ordered the exclusive “Founders Series” of the Roadster, costing $250,000 each, would be invited to the reveal event. Musk affirmed, “Sure, absolutely. It’s the least we can do for our long-suffering Roadster reservation holders.”
One of those holders, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, recently expressed frustration over his own reservation. He shared his experience of attempting to cancel his long-awaited order on social media, detailing how he initially struggled to obtain a refund for his $50,000 deposit. “I really was excited for the car! And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait,” Altman posted.
In response, Musk took to social media to defend his company’s timeline, stating, “And you forgot to mention act 4, where this issue was fixed and you received a refund within 24 hours.”
The emotional rollercoaster surrounding the Roadster’s launch continues to capture attention, with both excitement and frustration palpable among its reservation holders. As Tesla gears up for this reveal, industry watchers and fans alike will be closely monitoring announcements leading up to April 1, 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as Tesla navigates this critical phase in its Roadster project!