American automaker Tesla has announced the upcoming release of the second-generation Roadster sports car, according to reports from InsideEVs.
Lars Moravy, Tesla`s Vice President, stated that the Roadster 2 is intended to be the company`s `last car for drivers.` Moravy explained this decision by highlighting the rapid advancements in autonomous driving technology, indicating that future Tesla models will primarily rely on self-driving systems to transport people.
Moravy characterized the forthcoming sports car as the `swan song` of traditional automobiles, acknowledging Tesla`s significant trajectory towards full autonomy. While declining to provide a specific release date, the Tesla executive confirmed that the vehicle is `definitely under development,` promising a `mind-blowing` presentation, a phrase often used by Elon Musk.
InsideEVs journalists pointed out that a prototype of the Roadster 2 was first unveiled in 2017, with an initial production target of 2020, but its release has been delayed. The publication emphasized that, in the view of both Musk and Moravy, any vehicle with a steering wheel could eventually become obsolete, positioning the Roadster as Tesla`s final major push in that direction.
The first-generation Tesla Roadster marked Elon Musk`s company`s inaugural vehicle, produced starting in 2008. This two-door electric car could accelerate to 100 kilometers per hour in 4 seconds and offered a maximum range of 400 kilometers. The base model was priced at $109,000, or approximately 8.9 million Russian rubles.
Separately, in late July, Tesla Vice President Lars Moravy also hinted at the company`s plans to release a compact version of the Cybertruck pickup.
