Tesla Roadster revealed: specs, flight, price and UK release date
Image: Tesla
Tesla revealed the new Tesla Roadster on 15 October 2026 at an event near Waco, Texas. The second generation Roadster comes in three versions and quotes over 300 miles of range. Tesla claims 0 to 60mph in under 1.6 seconds for the road car. Elon Musk says production starts in 2028, and Tesla has not confirmed a price. And yes, it can now fly, which will be useful for overtaking!
Tesla Roadster Kick Flip
Tesla Roadster vs The Ramp
What is the Tesla Roadster?
The Tesla Roadster is Tesla’s electric sports car. The original Roadster launched in 2008 and was Tesla’s first car. Tesla showed a second generation prototype in November 2017 and promised production in 2020, then delayed it several times.
The 2026 reveal is the first time Tesla has shown the production design and confirmed the versions it plans to sell. Tesla calls the new Roadster “the last, best driver’s car.”
Tesla Roadster versions and specs
| Version | Built for | Seats | 0 to 60mph | What it adds | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Road | 2 | Under 1.6 seconds | Active aero and suction fans | By reservation |
| Thrust | Race | 2 | Under 1 second | Rear cold gas thrusters | Limited release |
| Rocket | Air | 1 | Under 0.59 seconds | Thrusters around the car, over 230mph | Invite only, not approved for public roads |
Tesla describes Thrust and Rocket as upgrades built on the Performance car. Tesla quotes over 300 miles of range but has not named the test cycle, so a UK WLTP figure may differ. In the reveal demonstration, the car reached 60mph in 0.81 seconds.
The Performance version is the one most buyers would actually drive.
How the Tesla Roadster has changed since 2017
Unlike the 2017 prototype, the production Roadster trades range and seats for acceleration.
| Specification | 2017 promise | 2026 reveal |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 620 miles | Over 300 miles |
| Seats | Four (2+2) | Two at most |
| Top speed | Over 250mph | Over 230mph (Rocket) |
| 0 to 60mph | 1.9 seconds | Under 1.6 seconds (Performance) |
Buyers who reserved on the 2017 specs are getting a faster car, but one with half the range and half the seats.
Image: Tesla
Tesla Roadster design and interior
The new Roadster follows the angular design language of the Cybertruck and Cybercab. Tesla lists concealed headlights, a full length rear light, flush surfaces and super light wheels with thin spokes. Tesla says the design takes inspiration from the SR 71 and F 35 aircraft.
The launch paint, Ano White, is an aerospace finish. Tesla says it offers UV and cryogenic protection, electrostatic dissipation and corrosion resistance. The glass has a gold tint inspired by spacesuit visors, with titanium accents.
Inside, there’s a yoke for steer by wire, a centre touchscreen and two small displays in front of the driver. The Ultrawhite cabin has grey microsuede detailing and seat bolsters for grip. The seat position is fixed and controls are manual to save weight, with magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre throughout.
How the Roadster’s cold gas thrusters work
The thrusters use technology developed with SpaceX. Tesla says the system uses 10 thrusters connected to 600 litres of compressed air, and the tank can be recharged. All electric actuators make micro adjustments in a fraction of a second to keep the car stable in flight.
A multi mode fan and ground sealing system pulls air from under the car. Tesla says it creates enough suction to hold the car upside down while stationary. Powered fans and active wings generate downforce even at zero speed.
Tesla claims the thrusters produce four to five times the force the tyres can transmit. All performance and flight figures remain Tesla’s claims until customer cars are tested.
Can the Tesla Roadster fly? How high?
The Rocket version can briefly leave the ground. Tesla describes it as air ready, with thrusters around the edge of the car for forward, upward and rotational movement. At the Waco demonstration, the car drove up an inverted ramp, flipped and landed, and jumped over other Tesla models. Tesla has not published how high, how far or how long the car flew.
The demonstration showed short, controlled manoeuvres, not sustained flight. A car that can jump is not the same as a flying car that can replace a journey. Tesla would need to show repeatable, safe performance outside a staged event before that claim holds.
Tesla Roadster UK price and release date
Tesla has not published a price for the new Roadster. The 2017 prototype was quoted from $200,000, but Tesla has not confirmed that figure for the redesigned car. Reservations are open now, costing $50,000 for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version. Tesla has not published reservation pricing in pounds, and production starts in 2028.
Is the Tesla Roadster coming to the UK?
Tesla lists the Roadster on its UK website, but says it will be available as a left hand drive vehicle only. Availability depends on each region’s laws, and Tesla says the Rocket version is not available in all regions. Tesla has not published UK pricing or delivery dates.
Watch Tesla’s October Roadster Event
Can you get a Tesla Roadster on salary sacrifice?
Salary sacrifice lets employees pay for an electric car from their gross salary, before Income Tax and National Insurance. It can save up to 50% compared to leasing the same car privately. Your actual saving depends on your salary, tax position and the car you choose.
If the Roadster becomes available to lease in the UK, it could be offered through salary sacrifice like any other electric car. BiK tax is charged on a car’s list price. Electric car BiK is 4% in 2026/27, 5% in 2027/28, 7% in 2028/29 and 9% in 2029/30. A six figure list price means a higher BiK bill, even at these low rates.
Insurance is another open question. Standard motor insurance is designed for driving on the road, so thruster use and airborne manoeuvres may fall outside normal cover. Any UK lease or salary sacrifice offer would depend on how insurers and regulators treat these features.
Drive a Tesla now, not in 2028
You don’t need to wait two years to drive a Tesla. The Electric Car Scheme offers the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y through salary sacrifice today. Every package includes insurance, maintenance and servicing in one monthly cost.
Tesla Roadster FAQs
When is the Tesla Roadster release date?
Elon Musk says Tesla will start building the Roadster in 2028. Tesla has not confirmed delivery dates for the UK or any other market.
Can the Tesla Roadster fly?
The Rocket version can make brief, controlled flights using cold gas thrusters. Tesla has not published flight height, distance or duration. The Rocket version is invite only and not approved for public roads.
How fast is the new Tesla Roadster?
The road going Performance version claims 0 to 60mph in under 1.6 seconds. The invite only Rocket version claims under 0.59 seconds and a top speed of over 230mph. In the reveal demonstration, the car reached 60mph in 0.81 seconds.
How much does the Tesla Roadster cost?
Tesla has not announced a price. Reserving a Performance version costs $50,000, and reserving a Thrust version costs $250,000.
What is the Tesla Roadster’s range?
Tesla quotes over 300 miles. That’s around half the 620 miles Tesla promised in 2017.
Is the Tesla Roadster road legal?
The Performance and Thrust versions are designed for road and track use. Tesla says the Rocket version is not approved for public roads.
Would you need a special licence to use the Roadster’s thrusters?
Tesla has not announced any licence, training or insurance requirements for the thrusters. In the UK, this would depend on how road and aviation regulators classify the car. Owning a Roadster would not automatically mean you could use the thrusters on public roads.
Can I get a Tesla through salary sacrifice?
Yes. The Electric Car Scheme offers current Tesla models, including the Model 3 and Model Y, through salary sacrifice. The Roadster could be added if Tesla confirms UK availability and lease pricing.
Will the Tesla Roadster be right hand drive?
No. Tesla’s UK website says the Roadster will be available as a left hand drive vehicle only.
The bottom line
The new Tesla Roadster is the quickest car Tesla has shown, but it arrives in 2028 with half the promised range and no confirmed UK price. Its flight capability is real but unmeasured, and it raises insurance and regulatory questions no one has answered yet. For drivers who want a Tesla now, salary sacrifice on a Model 3 or Model Y is the faster route.
Last updated: 16/10/2026
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Last updated: 16/10/2026
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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