How the new Tesla Roadster compares to the one that was promised in 2017 and what we still don't know

Nearly a decade after we first heard about it, the second-generation Tesla Roadster is finally here.

There are a few changes compared to the first prototype.

And yet there’s still a lot we don’t know.

Including a crucial detail.

The main key change

The main change is definitely the SpaceX integration.

It is true that Elon Musk teased this fairly early on, but back when it was first announced, we only knew it would be fast.

We definitely didn’t know it would be this fast, and we had no idea it would be because of SpaceX technology.

On-screen readouts showed the thruster-assisted prototype completing the 0-60 run in 0.81 seconds.

Also, we didn’t know it could fly, although this became a bit more predictable when Tesla executives, including Musk, began teasing flight-like features in various interviews and podcast appearances.

Then there’s the suction system, which is completely new.

Unlike the ‘flying’ bit, which was indeed expected, no one had any idea this could actually drive upside down.

The other key Tesla Roadster feature no one saw coming

The production Roadster looks significantly different when you compare it to the original concept car.

The first prototypes had smoother, softer, more round lines.

By contrast, the actual production car is a lot more angular.

Its sharper, and it kind of reminds us of iconic wedge-shaped supercars from the 1970s and 1980s.

The concealed headlamps are a nice touch, too.

There’s still a lot we don’t know

This is becoming a recurring theme: Tesla doesn’t talk about power.

They mention 0-60 times, occasionally the top speed, range, and almost always torque.

But they don’t mention power.

This was not an exception.

We don’t know what the power output is.

Something else we lack is clarity regarding what and how much and when.

We also know that deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, and we know you can reserve one for between $50,000 and $250,000 depending on which variant you pick.

Apart from the Rocket variant, by the way, which is only available if Tesla invites you to buy it.

But we don’t know the MSRP.

And interestingly, we don’t know which variant will be street-legal.

The standard Performance variant will be street-legal for sure, but the Thrust and Rocket variants may not be.

It’d be difficult to imagine a vehicle that can drive upside down and fly being approved for road use.

But you never know.