Remember 2017? That was the year Tesla pulled the covers off the next generation Roadster and promised an electric supercar unlike anything the world had seen before. Fast forward to 2026, and the car still exists mostly as a mix of glossy images, bold claims, and patient reservation holders wondering when the dream will finally become real.
Now, in classic Elon Musk style, Tesla has returned with another promise. According to an exclusive report from The Information, which cites four people familiar with the matter, Tesla is preparing to publicly demonstrate the Roadster in August, or possibly sometime after that. And for anyone who has followed Tesla closely, that little phrase “or later” will sound very familiar.
Another Delay in the Long Roadster Story
The latest information coming from Tesla’s Texas operations feels closer to science fiction than a normal car launch.
Tesla is reportedly planning to showcase a Cold Gas Thruster System known internally as Project A71. Developed with help from SpaceX, this system uses compressed gas thrusters to push vehicle performance far beyond what we usually expect from a road car.
But Musk’s biggest claim goes even further than extreme acceleration. He has suggested that the Roadster could briefly lift off the ground and “fly” for short distances.
It is an incredible idea, but after years of delays, many fans are understandably cautious. At this point, most people want to see the car move in the real world before believing another headline grabbing promise.
Nine Years of Waiting
If you have lost count of how many times the Roadster has been delayed, you are definitely not alone.
The car was originally expected to enter production in 2020, but Tesla pushed it back due to supply chain problems, semiconductor shortages, and the company’s focus on increasing Model Y production.
From 2021 through 2024, the story repeated itself. Each year brought a new delay, with production quietly moving further into the future.
Then came early 2026. Musk promised a major unveiling event on April 1, but that date passed without a reveal. Later, he hinted at updates in May or June. Now, August is the new target.
Can Tesla Still Sell It for $250,000?
When Tesla first opened reservations, the Roadster was announced with a starting price of $250,000. Customers had to pay a $5,000 credit card deposit, followed by a $45,000 bank transfer within ten days, making the total refundable reservation amount $50,000.
But Tesla’s past pricing changes raise an obvious question. Will the final Roadster really stay anywhere near that original figure?
The Cybertruck is a strong example. In 2019, Musk said it would start at $39,900, but the production version arrived at around $69,990. That history has led many analysts to believe the Roadster could end up priced well above its original estimate, pushing it deeper into ultra luxury territory.
Tesla Has a Lot to Prove
Tesla’s reputation is already under pressure, and some reservation holders have reportedly asked for refunds after years of waiting.
At a time when several automakers are scaling back ambitious electric vehicle projects, Tesla cannot easily walk away from the Roadster. Canceling it would be a serious hit to the company’s credibility, especially after nearly a decade of promises.
Ford has already canceled plans for a three row electric SUV, while Honda has also adjusted parts of its EV strategy. For Tesla, abandoning the Roadster would send a much louder message, especially to customers who trusted the company early.
August Could Be the Moment of Truth
After years of delays, bold claims, and SpaceX inspired promises, August may finally show us what the Tesla Roadster really is.
It could become one of the most extraordinary electric performance cars ever created.
Or it could simply become another chapter in a long story filled with missed deadlines and postponed reveals.
So, what do you think? Will the Tesla Roadster finally appear in August with its flying technology, or will it remain one of Tesla’s biggest unfinished promises?
