Tesla boss Elon Musk confirms new Roadster launch in 2019

A new Tesla Roadster will be launched in 2019, company boss Elon Musk has confirmed. 

The first-generation Tesla Roadster was revealed in 2006, and went on sale in 2008. Around 2,500 Roadsters were sold globally, based around the underpinnings of the Lotus Elise. Production ended in 2012, since when the firm has concentrated on producing battery, aero and tyre enhancements for existing cars.

Musk revealed that a new Roadster was in development for 2019 while announcing the new Ludicrous Mode for the Tesla Model S, which gives the car sufficient power to achieve 0-100kph in 2.8sec.

Referring to that, Musk said: “There is of course only one thing beyond ludicrous, but that speed is reserved for the next generation Roadster in four years.”

Although Musk gave no further details, the next-generation Roadster is expected to be based around a shortened version of the Model S’s architecture rather than using a bought-in chassis. Taking advantage of battery development enhancements, it is expected to have pace to trouble the very fastest supercars, as well as enough range for everyday use.