Tesla unveils Roadster with SpaceX thrusters; skeptics doubt 2028 output

· Automotive & EV · United States

Tesla showed a second-generation Roadster equipped with SpaceX thrusters, with a stunt in which the car jumped over other vehicles. CEO Elon Musk said the new Roadster would become the EV maker's only manually driven vehicle as the company pivots toward robotaxis and robots. The company targets production in 2028, but its road-use legality and limited revenue potential raise questions among skeptics, and the demonstration drew doubt about whether the timeline is achievable. The unveiling also drew praise from Nio founder William Li, who reposted a stunt video and admitted 'this we really don't have,' echoing his earlier remark that whatever Tesla has, Nio has. The Roadster is a halo product, not a volume seller, and its business case remains unclear.

Why it matters：The stunt showcases Tesla's marketing and technology ambitions while testing whether niche halo EVs still matter as the industry shifts investment toward autonomy and robotaxis.

Key points

  • Musk said the Roadster would be Tesla's only manually driven vehicle.
  • Production is targeted for 2028.
  • Nio founder William Li praised the stunt publicly.

Sources (original reporting)

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