{
  "id": 8925915,
  "title": "Tesla is taking $50k deposits for its next-gen Roadster that nobody's even seen yet — so here's your reminder that it never actually produced the last Roadster it took $50k deposits for",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/tesla-is-taking-50k-deposits-for-its-next-gen-roadster-that-nobodys",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-21T13:14:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/tesla-is-taking-usd50k-deposits-for-its-next-gen-roadster-that-nobodys-even-seen-yet-so-heres-your-reminder-that-it-never-actually-produced-the-last-roadster-it-took-usd50k-deposits-for"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tesla has revived interest in the upcoming next-generation Roadster by reopening its order books and requesting $50,000 deposits from potential buyers. The company announced that the highly anticipated electric sports car will be unveiled in October during a grand event in Waco, Texas. However, details about the vehicle's design and features remain largely unknown, with reports suggesting that it might incorporate SpaceX's cold-gas thrusters for unprecedented acceleration. Tesla is asking for an initial $5,000 deposit followed by a $45,000 payment within 10 days to secure a build slot. Despite the long wait since the 2017 launch of the last Roadster, the company has not yet produced a new vehicle for its original investors who were promised a 600+ mile range, a sub-2 second 0-60mph sprint, and a top speed exceeding 250mph. While Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised an exciting demonstration of the Roadster's capabilities, many deposit holders remain hopeful for a tangible delivery at the October event. Tesla's recent history has shown that taking its claims with a grain of salt may be wise, as its previous models like the Cybertruck have faced scrutiny over their performance, range, build quality, and pricing.",
  "summary": "Tesla is taking pre-orders for its next-gen Roadster again, but could this be a repeat of the Cybertruck debacle?",
  "key_points": [
    "Tesla reopening order books for next-gen Roadster with $50k deposits",
    "Event in Waco, Texas to unveil vehicle in October",
    "Last Roadster never produced with unmet promises"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}