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Yesterday, in an update to the company’s online configurator in multiple countries, Tesla quietly resumed reservations for the second-generation Roadster.
The automaker suspended Roadster reservations outside North America back in April 2022. Following yesterday’s update, Tesla has reinstated Roadster reservations in China and Europe. In China, Tesla is asking ¥332,000 ($46,892) to reserve a Roadster.
Specs of the second-generation Roadster for the Chinese market and in Europe are listed as 0 to 100 km/h time of 2.1 seconds, over 400 km/h top speed, and a range of 1000 km.
Tesla did not communicate the reason why the company stopped taking Roadster reservations back in April 2022 and why the company chose to resume it yesterday. However, no matter the reason behind Tesla’s change of heart, this is still exciting news for anyone hoping to get their hands on what will most likely be the fastest production vehicle in the world when it eventually begins deliveries.
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The fact that Tesla has restarted the reservation after a long pause also suggests that the EV maker is currently actively working on the vehicle and that Tesla plans to sell the Roadster in multiple countries.
Although 1.9 seconds from 0 to 60 mph (2.1sec 0 to 100km/h) time is on its on incredible, Elon Musk has also hinted that the vehicle will be able to significantly supersede these performance numbers with the SpaceX package, which will be an option offered for the vehicle.
The second-generation Roadster with the SpaceX package is expected to have a 0 to 60 mph time of as little as 1.1 seconds and the vehicle will be able to achieve these feat thanks to rocket thrusters that the vehicle will be fitted with.
These thrusters will not work similarly to conventional rocket engines which burn fuel to create energy, rather the Roadster’s thrusters will shoot out compressed air that has been stored inside a composite overlapped pressure vessel (COPD).
The compressed air will be channeled through a valve at really high pressures, to aid in the acceleration of the vehicle. And the same process can be used at the front of the vehicle to aid braking and from the sides to aid handling.
The COPVs will then be “refilled” and pressurized with air using an electric pump that draws power from the onboard battery which means the second-generation Roadster’s thrusters will not require any burning of fuel.
In addition to the incredible performance the SpaceX package will offer, Musk has also said the vehicle will be able to point the same thrusters downwards to enable the vehicle to hover above the ground.
Putting aside the legality of using such a system on public roads, if Tesla is able to deliver a production vehicle that can hover over the ground, this will make the second-generation Roadster a car for the history books.
Even if the Roadster with the SpaceX package might not sell in millions of units a year, like the Model Y, and upcoming robotaxi and van/bus, having such a vehicle in its lineup will elevate Tesla’s brand which should help the EV maker sell its mass-market offerings.
Currently, Tesla has not set any production date for the Roadster, however, we’ll be sure to keep you posted when Tesla starts preparations to manufacture this vehicle.
Until then make sure to visit our site torquenews.com/Tesla regularly for the latest updates.
So what do you think? Excited to learn that Tesla has resumed taking second-generation Roadster reservations? Also, when do you think Tesla will start producing this vehicle? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Image: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc.
For more information check out: Model 3 Speed Without a Body - Surprising Results
Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and The evolution of the EV space on a daily basis for several years. He covers everything about Tesla from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.
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