Tesla Sets April 1, 2026, Reveal for Second-Generation Roadster, Acknowledges Delays
Tesla plans to unveil the production version of its highly anticipated second-generation Roadster on April 1, 2026, nearly nine years after the project was initially announced. The announcement, made during Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting on Thursday, comes with a characteristic dose of Elon Musk’s trademark candor—and a touch of self-awareness regarding his history of missed deadlines.
The choice of April Fools’ Day for the reveal, Musk admitted, was deliberate. “Like, I could say I was just kidding” if the timeline slips further, he stated, acknowledging the skepticism surrounding the project’s delivery. This reveal itself represents a delay, as Musk had recently indicated on the Joe Rogan podcast his desire to showcase the vehicle by the end of this year.
Musk emphasized that the new Roadster will be significantly different from previous iterations. He teased that the demonstration will be “the most exciting, whether it works or not, demo ever of any product,” hinting at ongoing efforts to incorporate ambitious features, potentially including SpaceX-built thrusters to enable flight. He anticipates a further 12 to 18 months will pass between the April 2026 reveal and the start of actual production.
The long wait has tested the patience of early adopters. During the shareholder meeting, Musk addressed concerns from those who preordered the “Founders Series” version of the Roadster in 2017, having each invested $250,000 to secure a special edition. “Sure, absolutely,” Musk responded to a question about inviting these customers to the reveal event. “It’s the least we can do for our long-suffering Roadster reservation holders.”
The frustrations of those reservation holders were recently highlighted by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who publicly documented his attempt to cancel his reservation and receive a refund. In a post on X, Altman detailed a “tale in three acts” showing his initial deposit, a refund request, and an initial rejection. “I really was excited for the car!” Altman wrote. “And I understand delays. But 7.5 years has felt like a long time to wait.”
Musk swiftly responded to Altman’s post, claiming the issue was resolved within 24 hours and a refund was issued, adding, “But that is in your nature.” The exchange underscores the ongoing, often public, dynamic between the two tech leaders.
As Tesla navigates the final stages of development for the Roadster, the April 2026 date will be a critical milestone—and a test of whether Musk can deliver on a promise that has spanned nearly a decade.
