2008 Tesla Roadster (Original)
Heritage· 2012
Cars/Tesla/Roadster (Original)

Tesla Roadster (Original)

Roadster Mk1 (2008–2012) generation2008 – 2012Electric sports roadsterHeritage

The car that proved EVs could be fast. Lotus Elise–based, 248 hp single motor, 320 km range. Only 2,450 cars, the proof of concept that built Tesla.

01 · The lineup

Every family in the current generation

Grouped by family. Click any trim to see the full spec.

Tesla Roadster hero render
Heritage
Single Motor · RWD · 2008–2012

Tesla Roadster

Lotus Elise-based, 288 hp, the proof of concept that built Tesla.

1 variant3,946 mm × 1,851 mmWB 2,352 mm
VariantPower0 – 100TopWeightCompare · Save
02 · From the news desk

What's new on the Roadster (Original)

Reveals, rumors, and reviews touching this model or its current generation.

Tesla Roadster revealed: three versions, cold-gas thrusters, and one that Tesla says can flyNews
Oct 15, 2026

Tesla Roadster revealed: three versions, cold-gas thrusters, and one that Tesla says can fly

Tesla revealed the production-intent second-generation Roadster in Texas on 15 October 2026. It comes as the Performance, the Thrust, with cold-gas thrusters Tesla says take it from 0-60 mph in under one second, and the invite-only Rocket, which Tesla says can fly and is not approved for public roads. Reservations are $50,000 for the Performance and $250,000 for the Thrust.

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How does the Roadster (Original) stack up?

Side-by-side with its closest rivals by class and power.

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