Tesla Targets 531 km - h for Production Roadster in 2028

Tesla has set an ambitious top speed target of 531 km/h for a special version of its next Roadster and plans production for 2028. The company published specifications that position the Roadster as a candidate for the fastest production car if the figure is achieved.

Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla's chief designer, and Lars Moravy, vice president of vehicle engineering, told Top Gear that the Roadster will be offered in four trims named Standard, Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The manufacturer says the base setup is currently configured for a 345 km/h top speed, while the special variant aims for the 531 km/h mark.

Tesla's engineers have set a 531 km/h top speed target for a special Roadster variant.

Performance and trims

Tesla describes the Standard Roadster as using two electric motors mounted on the rear axle, producing 1,073 horsepower and 1,200 newton metres of torque. The Performance trim raises output to about 1,350 horsepower and 1,400 newton metres. Both figures are presented by Tesla as target outputs for the production vehicle.

For the Thrust and Rocket trims, Tesla says engineers will supplement tyre traction with compressed-air nozzles, replacing sole reliance on tyre friction for certain performance functions. The Rocket variant is claimed to cut 0 to 96 km/h acceleration to 0.59 seconds.

Production is scheduled for 2028. Reservations are open, with a US$50,000 deposit required for the Performance model and US$250,000 for the Thrust. Purchase of the Rocket trim will be by official invitation only.