Tesla is delaying the introduction of the production Roadster 2 until April Fool’s Day

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said Thursday that the company will unveil the production version of its second-generation Roadster supercar on April 1, 2026 — nearly nine years after he first unveiled the project.

Musk, who is notorious for missing deadlines, said during Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting that he chose April Fool’s Day in part because it allows for « a certain deniability. »

« I could say I was just kidding » if it happened later, he said.

Revealing the production version of the new Roadster next year is a delay in itself. Just a week ago, he appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast and reiterated his claim that he wants to show the car by the end of the year.

Musk emphasized Thursday that the car « will be very different from what’s been shown before, » and again teased that the demonstration will be « the most exciting, whether it works or not, demonstration of any product » — a not-so-subtle nod to the fact that he’s spent years trying to get the new Roadster to fly somehow, possibly with engines built by SpaceX.

Musk also said he believes the second-generation Roadster won’t go into production for another 12 to 18 months after the April revelation.

During the question-and-answer portion of the meeting, a shareholder asked Musk if customers who pre-ordered the Founders Series version of the new Roadster could be invited to the launch event. These were the customers who shelled out $250,000 to secure special versions of the car in 2017.

« Of course, absolutely, » Musk replied. « It’s the least we can do for our long-suffering Roadster reservation holders. »

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was one of those long-sufferers who recently tried to cancel the reservation — and initially failed to get a refund — for the long-promised EV.

Earlier this month, Altman posted a « tale in three acts » on X, which consisted of several screenshots showing his original booking, a request for a refund of the $50,000 booking fee and his bounced email.

« I was really excited about the car! » Altman writes. « I understand the delays. But 7.5 years seemed like a long time to wait. »

Musk, who has openly sparred with Altman for years, went on the offensive. « And you forgot to mention Act 4 where this issue was fixed and you got a refund within 24 hours, » Musk wrote. « But it’s in your nature. »