Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk announced on Thursday that the finalized version of the company’s next-generation Roadster supercar will be unveiled on April 1, 2026 — almost nine years after the project was first introduced.
Musk, who is well-known for not meeting deadlines, explained at Tesla’s annual shareholder gathering that he picked April Fools’ Day partly because it gives him “a bit of plausible deniability.”
“If it ends up being delayed, I can always say it was a joke,” he remarked.
Announcing the production-ready Roadster next year is itself a postponement. Just last week, Musk appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast and reiterated his intention to debut the car before the year concludes.
On Thursday, Musk emphasized that the vehicle “will be nothing like what was previously shown,” and once again hinted that the demonstration will be “the most thrilling product demo ever, regardless of whether it succeeds or fails”—a not-so-subtle reference to his ongoing efforts to make the new Roadster capable of flight, potentially using SpaceX thrusters.
He also mentioned that he expects the second-generation Roadster won’t enter production until 12 to 18 months after the April unveiling.
During the Q&A session, a shareholder inquired if those who preordered the “Founders Series” Roadster could attend the reveal event. These customers had paid $250,000 back in 2017 to reserve these exclusive models.
“Of course, definitely,” Musk replied. “It’s the least we can offer our patient Roadster reservation holders.”
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is among those who have waited years and recently tried to cancel his reservation for the long-awaited EV — initially without success in getting his deposit back.
Earlier this month, Altman shared on X a “three-act story,” posting screenshots of his original reservation, his request to have the $50,000 deposit refunded, and an email that bounced back.
“I was genuinely looking forward to the car!” Altman wrote. “And I get that delays happen. But waiting seven and a half years has felt like forever.”
Musk, who has publicly clashed with Altman for years, responded sharply. “And you left out act 4, where the problem was resolved and you got your refund within a day,” Musk replied. “But that’s just like you.”
