Here's how Tesla's new Roadster is a completely different car from the 2017 version

Here's how Tesla's new Roadster is a completely different car from the 2017 version By Ben Shimkus You're currently following this author! Click to unsubscribe from email alerts. Tesla's second-generation Roadster got its second launch event on Thursday.

Here's how the latest update is different from the last. Tesla Tesla just unveiled the revived Roadster . Sound familiar?

It certainly should. On Thursday, CEO Elon Musk took the covers off the latest version of Tesla's halo sports car and said the EV maker is eyeing production in 2028. It's the second time the company has unveiled a prototype vehicle that it says will carry on the Roadster nameplate.

In 2017, Musk unveiled a smoother-looking and very different type of Roadster. The 2017 Tesla Roadster prototype. Tesla The 2017 version simply drove onto a stage next to Elon, then spun its tires and raced away.

The 2028 version — on a track placed a safe distance away from spectators — drove up a vertical wall, hung upside down, hovered in the air, and did a "kick flip" over a line of other Teslas. Turns out, a lot can change in nine extra years of product development. A lot of the nuts and bolts powering the Roadster changed — and so did the car's metrics.

So, we put together a chart comparing Tesla's old Roadster promises with the new ones. Here's what we found: Metric or feature 2017 Roadster 2028 Roadster Range 620 miles 310 to 320 miles 0-to-60 speed 1.9 seconds 0.8 seconds Top speed Above 250 MPH 214 MPH "for now" Drivetrain Three motors, all-wheel drive Two motors, rear-wheel drive only Battery size 200 kWh Not specified Charging Not specified 15% to 85% in 10 minutes, nearly 500 kW Seating Two front seats, two rear seats Two front seats; Rocket trim only has one Variants Founder Series, SpaceX trim option Performance, Thrust, and Rocket Flying/Hopping Not demonstrated Demonstrated autonomously Price $250,000 for the Founder Series Not specified Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Ben Shimkus You're currently following this author! Click to unsubscribe from email alerts.

Ben Shimkus is a reporter for the Business News desk. He writes about cars, transportation, retail, and jobs. Ben's reporting has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Verge, Automotive News, USA Today, AutoBody News, LGBTQ Nation, TopSpeed, and Out Magazine.

He's also held staff writing positions at The U.S. Sun and the Daily Mail. He graduated from NYU with a Master's in journalism in 2024.

Email Ben at bshimkus@insider.com or message him privately on Signal at bshimkus.41. Tesla Elon Musk

Source: Business Insider