Tesla has re-opened the order books for its highly anticipated Roadster electric sports car, asking potential buyers in the U.S. to pay a $50,000 deposit and European buyers to pay 43,000 euros. Some customers have been waiting since 2017 for updates on the vehicle, which was originally promised for delivery by 2020. The company plans to officially unveil the next generation of the Roadster in October at a high-profile event in Waco, Texas. However, the details of the car remain largely unknown, and the event is expected to focus on showcasing the vehicle rather than providing a full specification. Reports suggest that the Roadster may use advanced cold-gas thrusters developed by SpaceX, which could enable unprecedented acceleration. There are also indications that the car has undergone a "Cyber" redesign, inspired by Tesla's Cybertruck, since its initial unveiling in 2017. Regardless of the design, Tesla is clearly seeking pre-orders, with customers needing to pay a $5,000 "fully-refundable" deposit upfront, followed by a $45,000 wire transfer within 10 days in the U.S. or 4,000 euros by card and 39,000 euros by wire transfer in Europe to secure a build slot. Originally, Tesla had hinted that the "Founders Series" version of the Roadster would cost an additional $250,000, but that promise has not materialized. The original 2017 launch had promised a 600+ mile range, a 0-60 mph time under two seconds, and a top speed over 250 mph. Now, after nearly a decade of delays, the expectations have grown to near science fiction levels, yet no vehicle has been delivered to the original customers. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has described the October event as a "banger," emphasizing the need for an audience to "vouch for the fact that this is not AI." However, many deposit holders are hoping for a tangible vehicle rather than just a demonstration. The event will be closely watched, with speculation ranging from hover capabilities to the use of controversial Formula 1 aero technology. Tesla's recent product launches, such as the Cybertruck, have not met high expectations, with sales declining after its 2023 debut. The company has faced skepticism about its claims regarding the Cybertruck’s performance, range, and build quality. As the October 1 event approaches, those considering a deposit are advised to proceed with caution. While Tesla claims the initial $5,000 deposit is "fully refundable," reports indicate that some customers have faced long waits for refunds. For example, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman waited over seven years for a refund, and YouTube creator Marques Brownlee received his deposit back after several days but lost the initial $5,000. Tesla assures that the deposit remains refundable as long as no sales contract is signed.