All Aboard The Hype Train: Tesla Says The New Roadster Could Hit 330 MPH

Tesla is stepping into the top-speed battle traditionally dominated by brands like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, SSC, and Hennessey, targeting an astonishing top speed of 330 mph (531 km/h) for its long-delayed Roadster. While the current claimed top speed sits at a more reasonable 214 mph (345 km/h), Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy told Top Gear magazine that a future version will aim for the 330-mph mark. The electric supercar will utilize two electric motors mounted on the rear axle. The standard model targets around 1,073 HP and 885 lb-ft (1,200 Nm) of torque, while the Performance version pushes output to approximately 1,350 HP and 1,033 lb-ft (1,400 Nm). Driving range is cited at 310 to 320 miles (500 to 515 kilometers) depending on the version, while 500-kW charging allows a 10-to-80-percent charge in less than 15 minutes. Despite the name, the car features manual T-top roof panels that store in the trunk. In its lightest configuration, it weighs less than 3,747 pounds (1,700 kilograms) and features a carbon-fiber body and a six-figure price tag. Tesla plans four configurations: Standard, Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. The Performance model features active aerodynamics and ground-effect fans. The Thrust version introduces a pressurized-air tank and four rear-facing nozzles to target a sub-one-second sprint to 60 mph. The Rocket model removes the passenger seat for extra compressed-air storage, adding six extra thrusters to help with directional changes, stabilization, and a targeted 0-to-60-mph time of 0.59 seconds. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028. Reservations require a $50,000 deposit for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust model, while the Rocket variant is available by invitation.