Tesla to unveil long-delayed Roadster on October 1, Musk says

Tesla is set to reveal its long-delayed next-generation Roadster on October 1, CEO Elon Musk announced on Saturday, according to Reuters. The electric sports car, first presented nearly a decade ago, now stands as a carbon-fiber hypercar after numerous delays and changes. Musk shared the date on social media alongside a graphic depicting October 1.

Earlier this month, The Information reported that Tesla was preparing to unveil a redesigned Roadster. This event could feature a demonstration of a limited-edition model fitted with cold-gas thrusters, a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX. The demonstration is expected to occur at SpaceX’s testing facility in McGregor, Texas.

First unveiled in 2017, Tesla had initially targeted a 2020 delivery date for the Roadster. However, the project has been delayed repeatedly as the company redirected resources to other products and technologies. The Roadster's design has also undergone significant changes, moving away from an alternative approach based on Model S Plaid components.

Meanwhile, Tesla is intensifying its focus on autonomous transportation. The company began offering rides in its two-seat Cybercab in limited areas of Austin, Texas, last week. The Cybercab, devoid of a steering wheel or pedals, underscores Musk's vision of autonomous vehicles as a core part of Tesla's future. The October announcement provides Tesla with another high-profile product launch as it seeks to draw investor attention beyond its current electric-vehicle lineup and into autonomous driving and other emerging technologies.