FYI: Tesla’s next-generation Roadster is set to take the spotlight as the company’s premium halo car, following the cancellation of the Model S Plaid Plus.
Tesla’s Next-Gen Roadster Takes Center Stage After Model S Plaid Plus Cancellation
Elon Musk recently confirmed that Tesla’s attention will shift entirely to the next-generation Roadster, setting it up as the company’s flagship halo car. This announcement comes in the wake of the cancellation of the Tesla Model S Plaid Plus, the more potent variant of the already impressive Model S Plaid.
Shifting Focus to the Roadster
Musk’s confirmation came via a social media post on platform X, in response to a Tesla fan’s query about the future of the Model S Plaid Plus. Musk clarified that the inconclusive Model S Plaid Plus would remain discontinued, and the Roadster would be stepping in to fill that high-performance void.
"Roadster," Musk replied succinctly, reinforcing the company’s trajectory toward enhancing the new Roadster’s development and marketing.
Tesla’s Need for a Halo Car
At present, Tesla’s lineup is missing a high-performance halo car that stands at the pinnacle of automotive excellence. Initially, the next-generation Roadster was slated to fill this role, but delays shifted this expectation briefly to the Model S Plaid Plus.
The Model S Plaid Plus promised top-tier performance with specs including a 0-60 mph time of 1.99 seconds, 1,100 horsepower, and a range of 520 miles per charge. Despite these impressive specifications, Musk decided to cancel the Plaid Plus variant, declaring that the existing Model S Plaid was already "so good."
Competitors Increase the Stakes
When first introduced in June 2021, the Model S Plaid set the bar high as the fastest production car available, boasting a 0-60 mph acceleration under 2 seconds. However, the competitive landscape has evolved, with new vehicles like the $250,000 Lucid Air Sapphire entering the scene, offering 1,234 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 1.89 seconds.
While the Tesla Model S Plaid remains unmatched at its starting price of $89,990, it no longer holds the crown as the fastest electric vehicle. For those seeking the ultimate EV regardless of budget, expensive options like the $2.2 million Rimac Nevera and the Lucid Air Sapphire present compelling alternatives.
The Roadster’s Promise
Tesla appears to be in dire need of a pioneering halo car to exhibit its technological prowess and stand out from the competition. The next-generation Roadster is perfectly poised to be that vehicle. Musk has hinted that the new all-electric supercar will be a groundbreaking piece of engineering, potentially involving collaboration with SpaceX, his space exploration venture.
Conclusion
In light of these developments, Tesla fans and automotive enthusiasts can look forward to the next-gen Roadster, which promises to redefine the boundaries of electric vehicle performance and innovation.
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Authored by: William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
