Tesla design chief hints Roadster debut is imminent, says 'very soon'

Tesla’s lead vehicle designer, Franz von Holzhausen, appeared on the latest episode of “Jay Leno's Garage” and emphasized that the highly anticipated second-generation Roadster will be revealed “very soon.” The first Roadster, built on a Lotus Elise chassis, sold roughly 2,800 units between 2008 and 2012 and positioned Tesla as a maker of exciting electric cars. In November 2017, CEO Elon Musk showcased a prototype promising unprecedented acceleration and range, and the company began accepting reservations with deposits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.

The launch, originally slated for 2020, has been postponed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Tesla’s focus on higher-volume models and other technologies. Musk recently described the Roadster as “the cherry on the icing on the cake,” noting it must follow more impactful initiatives. Business reports indicate design development ramped up last summer, and Tesla has filed at least three trademark applications for new insignia this year, suggesting concrete progress toward production.