Tesla Design Chief Says Next-Gen Roadster Is Coming 'Very Soon'
The company has previously said the next-gen Roadster was on hold, but a top designer is now signaling progress.
Tesla's chief designer says the company is moving forward with its long-delayed next-generation Roadster, telling Electrek that the electric sports car is coming "very soon." The comments from Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen mark a notable shift in tone after years of relative silence on the project.
What Happened
Von Holzhausen made the remarks in an interview published by Electrek on August 10, saying the new Roadster was "coming very soon" and expressing confidence about the timeline. The Roadster was first unveiled as a prototype in 2017 with promises of impressive performance specs including sub-2-second zero-to-60 times and over 600 miles of range. Production has been delayed repeatedly, with Elon Musk acknowledging in recent years that the Roadster had been "on hold" while the company focused on other models.
Why It Matters
The Roadster represents Tesla's halo product — a high-performance electric sports car meant to demonstrate what battery technology can achieve. For potential buyers who placed reservations years ago, von Holzhausen's comments suggest their may finally be rewarded. The vehicle also matters for the broader market as an indicator of how far EV performance and range capabilities have evolved since the original Roadster launched in 2008.
The Bottom Line
Tesla's design chief is signaling that the next-generation Roadster is closer to reality than it has been in years, though no specific production timeline or pricing details were provided. Buyers and industry observers will be watching for official confirmation from Tesla on when reservations holders can expect delivery.
