Roadster FAQ
Answers to common questions about the Tesla Roadster, from the 2008 original and its 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 versions to the new Roadster, plus the registry itself.
Here are the questions we get most about the Tesla Roadster and this site, from the 2008 original to the new one, with a source on every answer.
The Original Roadster
What was the original Tesla Roadster?
It was Tesla's first production car: a two seat, all electric sports car built on a chassis based on the Lotus Elise and produced from 2008 to 2012 (Wikipedia). Our Original history page has the short version.
Why did Tesla start with a sports car?
It was step one of the 2006 Master Plan. The plan was to build a sports car, use that money to build an affordable car, then use that money to build an even more affordable car (Tesla Master Plan 2006).
When did production start?
Tesla says Roadster production began in March 2008, and the first cars used an interim transmission. By September 2008, 27 customers had taken delivery (Tesla press release via Autoblog).
How many original Roadsters were built?
About 2,450, sold in more than 30 countries between 2008 and 2012 (Wikipedia). The Petersen plaque on Founders' Series #7 says the same: 7th of 2,450 (see A Guide to Where to See the Roadsters).
Why were the last Roadsters not sold in the US?
Tesla's US exemption from the two stage passenger airbag rule expired for cars built after the end of 2011, so the last Roadsters went to Europe, Asia and Australia (Wikipedia).
The Three Versions: 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5
What do 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mean?
They are Tesla's own version names for the big updates to the same car: Drivetrain 1.5 in 2008, Roadster 2.0 in 2009 and Roadster 2.5 in 2010. Tesla's 2.5 release says it came "only a year after release of Roadster 2.0" (Tesla Unveils Roadster 2.5).
What changed with Roadster 1.5?
The drivetrain. Tesla swapped the interim two speed transmission for a single speed BorgWarner gearbox. Peak torque went from 211 to 280 lb ft, and EPA combined range went from 221 to 244 miles. Early owners got the upgrade free (Tesla press release via Autoblog).
What changed with Roadster 2.0?
Mostly the cabin and the ride. Tesla added a nicer interior, push button gear selection, a center mounted screen for vehicle data, a locking glove box, better HVAC and seats, a quieter cabin and a simpler motor that made more power and was more efficient. New options included a carbon fiber and leather executive interior and adjustable suspension (Frankfurt 2009 release, Roadster 2 overview).
What changed with Roadster 2.5?
Announced July 1, 2010: a new front fascia, a rear diffuser, forged wheels in silver or black, more supportive seats, power hardware for hot climates, an optional 7 inch touchscreen with backup camera and more sound deadening (Tesla Unveils Roadster 2.5).
What are the Roadster 2.5 specs?
Per Tesla's July 2010 spec page: 288 hp, 273 lb ft (295 in the Sport), 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (3.7 Sport), a 125 mph top speed, 245 miles per charge from 6,831 lithium ion cells, and a 3.5 hour full charge at 240 volts and 70 amps. List price was $109,000, or $128,500 for the Sport (Roadster 2.5 Spec Sheet).
Is the Petersen "Roadster 2.0 (Deck Model)" one of these?
No. That white car is the 2017 next generation Roadster that the museum labels Roadster 2.0. The 2.0 above is the 2009 update to the original (A Guide to Where to See the Roadsters).
The New Roadster
When was the new Roadster first shown?
November 2017, as a surprise at the end of the Tesla Semi reveal. Tesla said then that production would start in 2020 (Electrek delay timeline, TechCrunch). More on our Next Gen page.
What did Tesla claim in 2017?
Tesla's claims as of November 2017: 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, 620 miles of range and a top speed over 250 mph, with a $200,000 base price and a $250,000 Founders Series limited to 1,000 cars (Electrek). Tesla took the prices off its site in December 2021 (Electrek).
Why did it take so long?
It slipped a lot. Production moved from 2020 to 2021, 2022, 2023, then "hopefully" 2024, then 2025, then 2027 or 2028. The demo date moved too, from late 2025 to April 2026, then several more times, before landing on October 15, 2026 (Electrek delay timeline).
What happened at the October 2026 reveal?
On October 15, 2026, at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, Tesla showed a redesigned white two seater. It drove up an inverted ramp using a suction system, turned in the air and landed using thrusters, then used the thrusters to jump over a line of other Teslas (Reuters, TechCrunch).
What are the new Roadster's claimed specs?
Tesla's claims as of October 15, 2026: three trims (Performance, Thrust and Rocket), more than 300 miles of range, a top speed over 230 mph and 0 to 60 mph in under one second (Reuters, TechCrunch). These are Tesla's numbers, not tested ones.
How much will it cost?
Not sure yet. Tesla did not give a price at the October 15, 2026 event (Reuters). The old $200,000 base price from 2017 is no longer on Tesla's site (Electrek).
How do reservations work?
Per Tesla's reservation page as of October 2026: Performance takes a $50,000 reservation, Thrust takes $250,000, and Rocket is invite only. You pay $5,000 up front (Tesla says fully refundable) and the rest within 10 days, or the reservation can be cancelled (Tesla Roadster Reservations, Reuters).
When will it ship?
Tesla says production starts in 2028, per the October 15, 2026 event (Reuters). Given the history, we shall see. Our 2027 page tracks timing as it gets sourced.
Where to See Them
Where can I see a Tesla Roadster in person?
Start with the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Our A Guide to Where to See the Roadsters has the details.
Which Roadsters are at the Petersen?
Two chapters. In the Vault is the white 2017 Roadster prototype (the museum calls it Roadster 2.0, Deck Model) with the RDSTR plate. On the Grand Concourse and nearby galleries is the red 2008 Founders' Series #7, a gift of Sergey Brin (A Guide to Where to See the Roadsters). Photos are in Roadster Registry Opens With a Visit to All Three.
What are the Petersen hours and ticket prices?
We don't list them, since they change. Check the Petersen Automotive Museum site before you go.
Can I see privately owned Roadsters?
Many Roadsters live in garages, not museums. Our Personal page is that chapter. We never publish VINs, addresses or contact details (A Guide to Where to See the Roadsters).
I know of a public display. How do I tell you?
Use Contact. Verified public displays get added to the guide.
The Registry
What is Roadster Registry?
A community site for Tesla Roadster owners and fans, covering the original 2008 to 2012 Roadsters and the next generation Roadster (About).
Is it a VIN database?
No. It is not a VIN database and it does not claim member counts. It is a place to follow news, find real resources and talk with other owners (How the Roadster Registry Works).
Is Roadster Registry part of Tesla?
No. Roadster Registry is operated by BwaZu, LLC and is not affiliated with Tesla, Inc. Tesla is a trademark of Tesla, Inc. (About).
Where do owners talk?
In the Roadster Registry category on the Tesla Warrior Community. Original owners also gather on TMC Roadster 2008-2012, and next generation talk is on TMC Roadster 202X (Directory).
How do I send a tip or a correction?
Use Contact. Discussion, as always, is on the Tesla Warrior Community.
The Site
What is on the site?
News, Guides, History (Original, Next Gen, 2027 and Personal), a starter Directory of real resources, and Events when we have sourced meetups (How the Roadster Registry Works).
How do you decide what goes on the site?
We only list sourced public facts. Production totals, VIN claims, dates and prices wait for a source (Original, 2027).
Why do outside links go through /links?
Off-site links always go through Links, so every outside resource lives in one place (How the Roadster Registry Works).
Does the site track me?
Only in aggregate. We count visits with self hosted, cookieless Umami that collects no personal data, and Do Not Track is respected. We do not sell personal information (Privacy).
Not affiliated with Tesla, Inc. Tesla is a trademark of Tesla, Inc.
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