After nine years, the second-generation Tesla Roadster is set to debut on 16 October

Tesla has officially announced that its long-awaited second-generation Roadster will make its global debut on 16 October at 8:55 am Malaysia time (15 October at 7:55 pm US Central Time), with the event to be livestreamed worldwide.

The unveiling was originally scheduled for 1 October in Waco, Texas, but was postponed by two weeks due to a severe weather warning.

Performance

Based on figures previously released by Tesla, the second-generation Roadster is expected to deliver performance that puts it firmly in electric hypercar territory.

Its previously announced specifications include:

• Battery capacity: 200 kWh
• Powertrain: Tri-motor all-wheel drive
• Peak wheel torque: 10,000 Nm
• 0–100 km/h acceleration: 2.1 seconds
• Top speed: Over 400 km/h
• Driving range: Up to 1,000 km

These figures remain based on Tesla's earlier claims, with updated specifications expected to be among the key details at the unveiling.

SpaceX package

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the new Roadster is the SpaceX-developed cold-gas thruster package, reportedly codenamed A71.

The system is designed to generate additional thrust by releasing high-pressure inert gas through directional nozzles. It has been claimed that the technology could reduce the Roadster's 0–100 km/h acceleration time to around 1.1 seconds, potentially even allowing the car to hover briefly.

However, Tesla has yet to confirm whether the hovering capability will actually be demonstrated at the unveiling. Whether such a system could meet road-legal requirements in different markets also remains uncertain.

The thruster demonstration reportedly requires specific safety precautions and cannot take place inside an enclosed venue, which is said to be one of the main reasons for holding the event outdoors.

Years of delays, but anticipation remains high

The second-generation Tesla Roadster was first previewed as a prototype in 2017, making its latest unveiling almost nine years in the making.

Production was initially targeted for 2020, but the project has faced repeated delays, leaving customers who placed early reservations waiting far longer than expected.

In Malaysia, Tesla has established a growing presence with the Model 3 and Model Y, alongside the expansion of its local Supercharger network.

For Malaysian Tesla fans and performance EV enthusiasts, the upcoming unveiling will offer another look at a car that has been promised for nearly a decade — and a chance to see how much of Tesla's ambitious performance claims can be delivered in reality.