Tesla Confirms New Roadster Will Receive Limited FSD Features
Chief designer cites extreme windshield and low production volume as primary reasons for restricting autonomous capabilities.
The upcoming Tesla Roadster will not support the complete Full Self-Driving (FSD) experience, according to Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen. Speaking during a MotorTrend walkthrough, von Holzhausen confirmed that the vehicle will offer only a "limited version of FSD," though he did not specify which features would be excluded.
What Happened
During the walkthrough, the host inquired about the Roadster’s camera suite and its potential for full autonomy. Von Holzhausen responded that the car would support a limited FSD version, attributing the restriction to the vehicle’s "extreme windshield and idea of just being a performance driving car." He clarified that the hardware itself is not the limitation, stating, "the camera and hardware is there." The Roadster’s unique design, including a steeply raked windshield, low wedge shape, transforming aero, suction fans, an active rear wing, and cold-gas thrusters, presents complications that FSD was not trained to handle.
Why It Matters
Production volume appears to be a significant factor in the decision. Analyst estimates suggest Tesla will build approximately 2,000 Roadsters per year once production begins in 2028, a figure well below that of the Cybertruck, which is already Tesla’s lowest-volume consumer vehicle. Training FSD for an entirely new platform with such low sales volume is considered impractical. Additionally, Tesla is positioning the Roadster as "the last great driver’s car," featuring a steer-by-wire yoke with by-wire brakes and throttle. Elon Musk has stated that the Roadster will eventually be the only manually driven vehicle in Tesla’s lineup, reinforcing the focus on human driving over autonomous convenience.
The Bottom Line
While the Roadster will possess autonomous capabilities, including the ability to perform stunts shown at its reveal, it will not offer the full FSD package found in other Tesla models. Specific details regarding which features will be available are expected to emerge closer to the production start date in 2028.
