Jay Leno had to remind Tesla Roadster exists
When Tesla first unveiled the next-generation Roadster in 2017, it sent shockwaves through the automotive world. The all-electric supercar promised record-breaking performance, boasting a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds and a top speed of over 250 mph. However, nearly eight years later, the Tesla Roadster remains little more than a dream—delayed time and time again, to the frustration of eager customers and fans alike. But what’s really going on with Tesla’s long-lost Roadster? And why did Jay Leno have to remind Tesla executives that the car even exists?
A Timeline of Broken Promises
The Roadster’s repeated delays have made it something of a running joke among Tesla enthusiasts. Elon Musk has set multiple launch timelines over the years, each one slipping further into the future. Here’s a look at how things have unfolded:
- November 2017: Tesla announces the Roadster with a planned launch in 2020.
- July 2020: Launch delayed to 2021.
- January 2021: Pushed back to 2022.
- September 2021: Revised again to 2023.
- May 2023: Now expected in 2024.
- February & October 2024: Musk claims production will begin in 2025, with a reveal of the final version by the end of 2024 (which did not happen).
As of early 2025, there is still no sign of a production-ready Roadster. This is especially surprising given that Tesla has not introduced any new models besides the Cybertruck in the last five years.
Jay Leno Reminds Tesla That the Roadster Exists
Tesla’s reluctance to even discuss the Roadster was perfectly highlighted in a recent interaction between Jay Leno and two top Tesla executives, Franz von Holzhausen (Chief Designer) and Lars Moravy (VP of Engineering).
During an exclusive first drive of the updated Model Y, Leno casually asked if Tesla would be offering a three-motor powertrain for the new version. Moravy quickly replied that Tesla only makes one or two-motor configurations, reserving three-motor setups for the high-performance Plaid versions of the Model S and Model X, as well as the Cyberbeast trim of the Cybertruck.
Leno, with his classic comedic timing, then pointed out that Tesla had also promised a three-motor setup for the Roadster. The executives seemed caught off guard, awkwardly repeating, “And the Roadster.” before quickly moving on. This exchange perfectly sums up the state of the Roadster program: even Tesla’s own executives barely acknowledge it anymore.
Why Does the Roadster Keep Getting Delayed?
The continued delays have left many wondering why Tesla is struggling to bring the Roadster to market. Here are some key factors contributing to the hold-up:
1. Tesla’s Focus on More Profitable Models
Tesla’s primary revenue comes from mass-market models like the Model 3 and Model Y, which sell in the hundreds of thousands. A high-performance supercar like the Roadster, while exciting, would be a low-volume vehicle that doesn’t contribute much to Tesla’s bottom line.
With slowing EV demand and increased competition, Tesla has been focused on scaling production of mainstream models and expanding its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology—areas that are more critical to its long-term strategy.
2. Supply Chain and Production Constraints
Even though Tesla has grown significantly in recent years, battery and supply chain constraints continue to affect production timelines. The Roadster was supposed to feature Tesla’s next-generation battery technology, which has faced significant development hurdles. If Tesla can’t produce the batteries at scale, the Roadster remains stuck in limbo.
3. The Elon Musk Factor
Musk is known for making ambitious promises, sometimes well before the technology or logistics are in place to support them. The Roadster was one of those bold announcements that created excitement but lacked a solid production plan. Over time, priorities shifted, and the Roadster became an afterthought.
Will It Ever Arrive?
As it stands, the Roadster is still officially “in development,” according to Tesla’s latest updates. However, the lack of a production facility or clear launch plan makes it hard to believe it will arrive anytime soon.
Even if Tesla does manage to unveil the final production version in 2025, there’s no guarantee that deliveries will follow shortly after. If history is any indication, another delay wouldn’t be surprising.
Despite all these setbacks, the Roadster remains an important symbol for Tesla. It was meant to showcase what’s possible with electric performance and prove that EVs can outperform traditional supercars. While the Cybertruck has taken center stage in recent years, the Roadster’s return could inject some much-needed excitement into Tesla’s brand.
At a time when Tesla’s sales are slowing, stock prices are fluctuating, and competition is heating up, launching a high-performance, cutting-edge EV could generate renewed enthusiasm. After all, Tesla was built on innovation, and nothing screams innovation like a 250+ mph electric supercar.
For now, the Tesla Roadster remains more of a concept than a reality. With each passing year, its promised launch feels more like a distant dream rather than an imminent arrival. Tesla’s shifting priorities, supply chain challenges, and Musk’s ever-changing focus have kept the Roadster on the back burner.
Still, hope isn’t completely lost. If Tesla can finally deliver on its promises and bring the Roadster to market, it could redefine the electric supercar landscape. Until then, we’ll just have to wait—and maybe keep reminding Tesla executives that the Roadster still exists.
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