By Reservation
Performance
Seats two
Tesla describes active aerodynamics and a multi mode suction and downforce system.
Austin Community Guide
Tesla
Roadster
The quick answer
Is the new Roadster the same car as the original?
No. The original Roadster was Tesla's first production car, unveiled as a prototype on July 19, 2006, with regular production of the 2008 Roadster beginning March 17, 2008. The next generation Roadster is a separate, new vehicle. Check Tesla's official Roadster page for confirmed details.
See upcoming club eventsCurrent listings and any registration details live on the events page.
What Tesla publishes today, what a reservation actually costs, and how the 2008 original fits in. Every claim is linked to its Tesla source.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026
Where It Began
The Original Roadster
The Roadster was Tesla's first car. It showed that an electric vehicle could be quick and desirable, and set the direction for every Tesla that followed.
July 19, 2006
Prototype unveiled
Tesla introduced its first vehicle to the public as an electric sports car.
March 17, 2008
2008 Regular Production
Tesla announced regular production of the 2008 Tesla Roadster had begun, and quoted 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds for that original car. Read Tesla's announcement.
Shopping for an original?
A club checklist for conversations with sellers and specialists. It is not a repair manual, and every car is different.
Used Tesla Buying Guide- 01Service and ownership records, including any battery work and who performed it.
- 02Current battery condition, documented by a specialist familiar with the original Roadster.
- 03Charging equipment and adapters included with the car, and whether they suit your home.
- 04A pre purchase inspection by an independent specialist before any payment.
- 05Clean Texas title and registration history.
A New Car
As of our October 15, 2026 review of Tesla's public Roadster page, Tesla lists Performance by reservation and Thrust and Rocket under Augments. The descriptions below summarize Tesla's claims and have not been independently verified.
Tesla's own caveat
Tesla's Rocket section states: "Not approved for public road use." Do not treat a feature description as permission to use that feature on public roads.
Limited Release
Thrust
Seats two
Tesla describes cold gas thrusters. Tesla says the features shown on its page reflect the Thrust augment, offered as an optional upgrade.
Invite Only
Rocket
Seats one
Tesla footnotes some features as available with the Rocket trim only, which is not available in all regions.
Source: tesla.com/roadster, reviewed October 15, 2026.
Original versus next generation
Same name, different cars. Buying, service, and parts questions for one do not answer questions about the other.
Original (2008)Next generation
What it is
Original (2008)Tesla's first production car. Prototype unveiled July 19, 2006; regular production of the 2008 Roadster began March 17, 2008.
Next generationA separate, new vehicle. Tesla lists Performance by reservation, plus Thrust and Rocket options.
Published performance
Original (2008)Tesla's 2008 press release quoted 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. That figure applies to the original car only.
Next generationTesla's page describes features, not a full specification table. Treat any older figures as unconfirmed.
How you get one
Original (2008)Private sale on the used market, usually through specialists and enthusiast networks.
Next generationThrough Tesla's official reservation page only. Access varies by trim.
Road use
Original (2008)Was sold as a road car in 2008. Registration today depends on the individual car and Texas rules.
Next generationTesla's Rocket section includes a notice that it is not approved for public road use. Check the restrictions for the specific configuration.
Parts and service
Original (2008)Ask a qualified specialist about parts, battery, and charging equipment for that specific car.
Next generationAsk Tesla directly. Do not assume any part, accessory, or charging detail carries over from the original.
Latest From Tesla
Official Information
Tesla's reservation page, as fetched on October 15, 2026. Terms can change, so confirm them on Tesla's site before any payment.
Reservation payments listed by Tesla
- Due todayDescribed by Tesla as fully refundable
- $5,000
- Due within 10 daysCheck Tesla's terms for this payment
- $45,000
- Total reservation payments
- $50,000
This is reservation funding, not the vehicle's retail price. Tesla had not published a retail price or delivery date on the pages we reviewed.
- Tesla says reservations are not final until payment is received.
- Tesla may cancel a reservation if payment is not completed within 10 days.
- Tesla states refunds for modifications will not be issued.
Source: tesla.com/roadster/reserve
Before you reserve
- 1Start only from tesla.com/roadster. Ignore reservation offers from dealers, resellers, or social media accounts.
- 2Confirm which trim you are reserving and whether it is offered in your region.
- 3Read the current payment table and terms on the reservation page before paying anything.
- 4Note which payment Tesla labels refundable and which carries different terms.
- 5Put the 10 day payment deadline on your calendar so the reservation is not canceled.
- 6Save your confirmation and receipts from your Tesla account, not from email links alone.
The Local Network
Follow Along In Austin
The Tesla Owners Club of Austin lists gatherings only once they are confirmed. For Roadster news, follow Tesla's official broadcasts and meet other owners at club events.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
- When did the original Tesla Roadster come out?
- Tesla unveiled the Roadster prototype on July 19, 2006. According to Tesla's press release, regular production of the 2008 Tesla Roadster began on March 17, 2008.
- Is the new Tesla Roadster the same car as the original?
- No. The original Roadster was Tesla's first production car. The next generation Roadster is a separate, new vehicle, and parts, service, and buying questions for one do not carry over to the other.
- What are the specs of the new Tesla Roadster?
- As of our October 15, 2026 review, Tesla's Roadster page describes three trims: Performance (by reservation, seats two, active aerodynamics and a multi mode suction and downforce system), Thrust (limited release, seats two, cold gas thrusters), and Rocket (invite only, seats one). These are Tesla's descriptions, not independently verified specifications. Tesla states the configuration shown is not approved for public road use.
- How much is the Roadster reservation?
- At our review, Tesla's reservation page listed $5,000 due today, described as fully refundable, and $45,000 due within 10 days, for $50,000 in reservation payments. That is not the vehicle price. Tesla says reservations are not final until payment is received, may be canceled if payment is not completed within 10 days, and refunds for modifications will not be issued. Check current terms before paying.
- Does the club know the price, delivery date, or where it will be built?
- No. Tesla has not published a retail price or delivery date on the pages we reviewed, and the club has no confirmation of a production site, including Giga Texas. Rely on Tesla's official announcements.
- What should I check before buying an original 2008 era Roadster?
- Ask for service records, documented battery condition, included charging equipment, a clean title, and a pre purchase inspection by an independent specialist. This is a club checklist, not a repair guide.
- Where can I follow Roadster news with other Austin owners?
- Check our Events page for upcoming club gatherings and our Tesla Livestream page for official Tesla broadcasts. The club only lists events once they are confirmed.
Sources
- Tesla: RoadsterTrims, features, road use caveat, footnotes
- Tesla: Reserve RoadsterPayment table and reservation terms
- Tesla: Regular production of the 2008 Roadster beginsOriginal Roadster history
Reviewed October 15, 2026 by checking the public Tesla web pages listed above. This was a website review only; the club has not tested the car. Images are published by Tesla and are not club photos or proof of production or delivery. Details can change. The Tesla Owners Club of Austin is an independent enthusiast community and is not affiliated with Tesla.