Update: Tesla sets date for Roadster’s debut – preparations at SpaceX?
Image: Tesla
September is already set to be a busy month for Tesla with the launch of Cybercab in Texas at the beginning and a Semi event in Nevada at the end, but October could bring an even more interesting event. The new Tesla Roadster is expected to be unveiled at the start of the month, CEO Elon Musk announced on Sunday, following a previous hint from his company. A teaser image and a video showing possible preparations for the Roadster reveal at SpaceX have sparked speculation.
Tesla Roadster with a Major Delay
With the first Roadster, Tesla laid the foundation for more affordable and practical electric cars starting in 2006. In November 2017, CEO Musk unexpectedly introduced a successor to the sports car alongside the semi-truck Semi. Designed to reach 60 miles per hour in 1.9 seconds with a range of 1,000 kilometers, it was meant to pose a serious challenge to all internal combustion engine manufacturers, with deliveries set to begin in 2020. Later, the Tesla chief announced an even faster Roadster powered by SpaceX rocket technology.
New Tesla Roadster Unveil 10.01 https://t.co/9J3YPT25fm
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 13, 2026
Several dates mentioned by Musk for the Roadster’s unveiling have passed without any results, but it should be visible soon. “Go for launch” read the Tesla account on X on Saturday night, along with a picture dated October 1 showing what appears to be the rear of a car. Four rays extending upward could indicate SpaceX engines. Musk cleared up any doubts that it was the Roadster by explicitly referring to its unveiling.
Unveiling expected with SpaceX technology
It is clear that Tesla will reintroduce the Roadster at the beginning of October, especially since invitations for an event in Waco, Texas, have apparently already been sent out. It is also hardly disputed that the hyper-electric car will not look the same as it did almost nine years ago. Observers were still wondering on Sunday whether the teaser image (see photo above) might need to be flipped upside down; in that case, the four beams would point downward rather than upward. In any case, the rear appears wider and more angular than that of the 2017 Roadster.
Aside from the date and topic, everything else remained uncertain for now. In June, The Information reported on Tesla’s plans to unveil a new Roadster in August. People familiar with the matter confirmed to the publication that it would be shown equipped with optional cold gas engines from SpaceX. According to Musk’s earlier statements, this technology would not only enable incredible acceleration but also allow the Roadster to hover or jump for short periods (he even mentioned flying at least once).
Roadster test at SpaceX in Texas?
The Tesla CEO once again piqued curiosity on Saturday after confirming the event, saying the Roadster is “not of this world.” At the 2025 Tesla shareholder meeting, he claimed the (then still untimed) unveiling would be the most exciting product presentation ever — whether it succeeds or not, he added with a laugh. All this suggests Tesla will unveil a Roadster powered by SpaceX technology on October 1.
Listen to Elon Musk talk about the upcoming Roadster at the previous Tesla shareholder meeting in 2025. pic.twitter.com/njmvxu98Vw https://t.co/eDvYg8GD1n
— Book Club America (@elonmuskbooks) September 13, 2026
Preparations for this might already be visible at one of Musk’s space company sites near Waco: He wouldn’t be surprised if the Roadster were tested in one of the “mysterious tents” in McGregor, wrote an observer on X. Another person posted an interesting video from there: Behind a covered frame, the shadow of a vehicle that rises quickly can be seen; later, steam emerges right at the ground level. However, this shouldn’t be interpreted as a Roadster lifting off on its own power, cautioned @mcrs987 — there’s a large lift inside the SpaceX structure.
I'll just put this out there https://t.co/VfpgpWLg0H pic.twitter.com/65i2ZmSEvl
— TheSpaceEngineer (@mcrs987) September 13, 2026