Tesla displays futuristic Roadster prototype

From 24 to 27 October 2026, the first Tesla Roadster 2028 was displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The prototype, equipped with thrusters, was unveiled earlier at the SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, on 15 October 2026.

Prototype features advanced technology

The car is named "2028 Tesla Roadster Thrust Prototype" and features a fan-based intake system and cold gas thrusters derived from SpaceX technology. It is said to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 0.81 seconds and generate up to 2 g of downforce, with thrusters capable of delivering more than 80 kN of thrust.

Museum holds the car temporarily

The prototype was displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum, where it was described as part of Tesla's collection, though the museum is only a temporary custodian. The vehicle had been stationary for at least two years and was shown in the museum's hall.

Three variants of the Roadster announced

Tesla has announced three variants of the Roadster: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. The Performance variant retains the intake system without thrusters to remain roadworthy, while the Thrust variant adds rear thrusters. The Rocket variant is described as even more extreme.

Reservations require large deposits

Those who reserve a Roadster are purchasing a promise accompanied by a significant deposit, with deposits reaching up to 233,000 euros for the Thrust variant. Tesla specifies that these deposits do not guarantee a delivery date or even that a delivery will occur.

Production planned for 2028

Officially, production of the Roadster is planned for 2028 at the Gigafactory Texas, following a first concept presented in 2017. The first delivered examples are expected to be Performance versions without thrusters, with deliveries anticipated at the earliest in two years. In the meantime, the first delivered example remains a museum piece in Los Angeles, closer to an artwork than to the series production car that some hope to drive in 2028.