Tesla has filed a trademark for a new Roadster logo, signaling the electric sports car could finally reach production after years of delays. The second-generation Roadster was originally promised for 2020, but the project has slipped repeatedly over the past decade.
The trademark filing suggests Tesla plans to formally reveal or launch the car in the near term. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made sweeping claims about the Roadster's performance, including a sub-2-second 0-60 time and a top speed exceeding 250 mph. The company has also promised a tri-motor variant, positioning the car as the flagship of Tesla's lineup.
Delays have plagued the Roadster program for years. Production timelines kept shifting as Tesla prioritized the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck. The automaker's focus on scaling volume production and solving manufacturing bottlenecks repeatedly pushed the Roadster further down the priority list.
The new Roadster sits in a crowded performance EV segment. The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and upcoming Chevrolet Corvette electric variant will compete directly. Traditional gasoline sports cars like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Porsche 911 Turbo remain benchmarks for performance, though Tesla claims the Roadster will outpace them both.
A trademark filing doesn't guarantee immediate availability. Tesla has used similar tactics before without firm launch commitments following. However, years of delays have strained credibility with buyers waiting on this vehicle. The timing comes as Tesla faces pressure to diversify its portfolio beyond sedans and SUVs.
If Tesla actually delivers a production Roadster with near its promised specs, it would mark a genuine breakthrough in electric performance vehicles. The company's track record on timelines remains questionable, but the trademark filing represents tang