Tesla Teaser Video Hints at Significant Roadster Design Changes
A new light bar design suggests the production Roadster will differ from the 2017 prototype.
Tesla closed its Semi event in Nevada with a brief teaser video for the next-generation Roadster, signaling that the production model will look noticeably different from the prototype unveiled in 2017.
What Happened
During the closing moments of the Semi event, Tesla engineering executive Lars Moravy introduced a nine-second clip titled "See you next week." The video shows trailer doors opening in the dark to reveal a thin white light bar across the nose of the car, accompanied by Tesla and SpaceX logos. This design element contrasts with the 2017 prototype, which featured two separate curved headlamp pods. The presence of a connected front light strip aligns the Roadster visually with other recent Tesla designs like the Cybertruck and Cybercab.
Why It Matters
The teaser confirms that Tesla is moving forward with a revised design nearly nine years after the original reveal. The inclusion of SpaceX branding supports expectations for the optional SpaceX Package, which Elon Musk has stated would use cold gas thrusters to enhance acceleration. Tesla has also resumed collecting deposits, requiring a $5,000 refundable payment followed by a $45,000 wire transfer, bringing the total committed to $50,000 before final pricing is released. The upcoming event in Waco, Texas, is scheduled to provide the long-awaited pricing, specifications, and production targets, with production at Gigafactory Texas projected for no earlier than 2027.
The Bottom Line
Tesla’s latest Roadster teaser indicates a departure from the 2017 prototype’s design, featuring a unified light bar and SpaceX branding. With reservation deposits being collected and a reveal event set for October 1, the company is preparing to update the market on the vehicle’s final specifications and timeline.
