CEO Elon Musk delivered a blunt message about the upcoming next-generation of Tesla Roadsters during a recent appearance on the “Moonshots” podcast.
Musk directly said that safety will not be the top priority for the high-performance electric supercar.
He would also state that the vehicle is designed for extreme performance and speed rather than safety features, telling potential customers not to buy a new Roadster if safety is their primary concern.
“This is not a…safety is not the main goal. If you buy a Ferrari, safety is not the number one goal. I say, if safety is your number one goal, do not buy the Roadster,” Musk said during the podcast appearance.
He added that Tesla would “aspire not to kill anyone in this car,” while also saying the Roadster would be “the best of the last of the human-driven cars.”
The comments from Musk on Tesla’s new sports car come as Tesla continues development of the long-delayed second-generation Roadster from its manufacturing facilities in Texas, including their colossal “Gigafactory” near Austin.
The Roadster itself was first unveiled as a concept in 2017, with Musk now saying a production version would be revealed in spring of 2026, and potential deliveries of the second gen could start shipping out to the first wave of buyers as soon as 2027.
Potential buyers already have a “reserve now” option listed on the Tesla Roadster’s official website.
Tesla advertises jaw-dropping performance numbers for the Roadster: a claimed 0–60 mph acceleration of 1.9 seconds, a top speed exceeding 250 mph, and an estimated range of 620 miles on a single charge, thanks to an updated battery pack.
These specs place it among the most extreme and ambitious electric vehicles ever planned, seemingly aimed at niche enthusiasts who prioritize speed and prestige over everyday practicality and safety.
Musk also mentioned what some could call a “Ferrari” philosophy: saying during the podcast that buyers of high-end Italian supercars prioritize speed, handling, and status, accepting trade-offs in comfort and safety ratings. The Roadster appears to follow that philosophy.
The remarks from Musk were made during a time of ongoing scrutiny of Tesla’s safety record, particularly around its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which faces federal investigations for “traffic violations”, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Additionally, in December of 2025, the NHTSA announced an investigation into approximately 180,000 Teslas with faulty emergency door latch systems.
As of press time, Tesla has not published additional comments on the recent podcast statements or specific updated timelines for the new Roadsters production dates.
According to Musk, a “production reveal” date has been tentatively scheduled for April 1, 2026. That date is April Fools’ Day, however, and the infamous Tesla CEO is known for his love of numerology and cheeky jokes related to his businesses.