Tesla delays reveal of production Roadster 2 to April Fools’ Day

In a surprising announcement, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk declared that the highly anticipated production version of the second-generation Roadster supercar will be unveiled on April 1, 2026. This date, nearly nine years after the initial project announcement, has raised eyebrows, particularly given Musk's history of missed deadlines. During Tesla's recent shareholder meeting, Musk explained that choosing April Fools' Day offers a degree of "deniability" in case the reveal faces further delays. He humorously noted, "Like, I could say I was just kidding" if the launch is postponed again. The delay from the previously expected year-end reveal was particularly notable, as just a week earlier on Joe Rogan's podcast, Musk had expressed his intention to showcase the vehicle by 2025. He emphasized that the production version will be significantly different from earlier prototypes and teased that the upcoming demonstration would be the "most exciting, whether it works or not, demo ever of any product." This comment hinted at Musk's ambitious plans to incorporate SpaceX technology, potentially including thrusters to enhance the car's performance. Musk further indicated that the Roadster might not enter production until 12 to 18 months following the reveal event. During the Q&A session, a shareholder inquired whether customers who pre-ordered the exclusive "Founders Series" version could attend the unveiling. These customers, who invested $250,000 back in 2017, were assured by Musk, who said, "Sure, absolutely. It’s the least we can do for our long-suffering Roadster reservation holders." Among those waiting is OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who recently experienced difficulties in canceling his reservation. He shared his frustrations on social media, illustrating the challenges he faced in trying to secure a refund for his $50,000 deposit after years of delays. In response, Musk was quick to clarify that Altman had ultimately received his refund within a day, remarking on their long-standing rivalry, "But that is in your nature."