Tesla open sources design and engineering information for the original Roadster
Alexandre Prévot
Tesla's incredible journey started by piecing together the Roadster, a painstaking ordeal that nearly caused the company to go bankrupt more than once. The piece-by-piece instruction manual to build the car that started an automotive revolution has been made public, fully open-sourced. CEO Elon Musk posted on X: "All design & engineering of the original @Tesla Roadster is now fully open source. Whatever we have, you now have."
Community Engagement and Possibilities
The open-source announcement has sparked enthusiasm and curiosity within the engineering community. A post from the World of Engineering (@engineers_feed) on X, asking, "Does this mean I can build my own roadster in my garage?" garnered a direct response from Musk: "* some assembly required."
Theoretically, if one can get their hands on the parts, they have some direction to build one of these historic vehicles. From a business side, this kind of information sharing with competitors is curious, although it does follow Tesla's mission statement to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. Although the information is 15 years old, it could provide some useful information.
Understanding the Open-Source Details
Tesla has clarified the nature of the information released, stating it's a resource for Roadster enthusiasts derived from the car's R&D phase. The details are not intended for manufacturing, repair, or maintenance and may not align with final production models. Users leveraging this information are reminded of their responsibility to adhere to legal and safety protocols, as Tesla offers no warranties for work done using these details. This open-source initiative encourages innovation but stresses the importance of safety and legal compliance.
The Roadster's History and the Future
Launched in 2008, the original Roadster was the first legal electric vehicle on highways to utilize lithium-ion batteries and achieve over 200 miles per charge. It bankrolled the next phase of Tesla, the Model S, and set a benchmark for future EVs.
While this open-source initiative revisits Tesla's past, it also shifts the focus back to the next-generation Roadster. Initially unveiled in 2017, its production has been delayed, and there is no timeline for when the new sportscars will be manufactured. Moreover, Tesla's focus on the Cybertruck and a more affordable $25,000 EV indicates a strategic balance between innovation and mass EV adoption.
Tesla's decision to make the original Roadster's design and engineering open source should not be too surprising. Musk has said, "I don't care about patents. Patents are for the weak. They don't actually help advance things. They just stop others from following you." Perhaps the biggest surprise is how long it took for Musk to open-source the Roadster blueprint.
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Just like how Carscoops spotted the refreshed Model S, they also spotted the refreshed Model Y, and this time, it was likely the Performance variant.
When Tesla launched the Launch Edition of the refreshed Model Y, they opened the floor to orders for the Rear-Wheel Drive (later introduced to the U.S.) and All-Wheel Drive Long Range variants, but not for the Performance model. This was the same strategy that was used with the refreshed Model 3, whose performance version launched months after the new Model 3.
We’ve already seen some covered-up refreshed Model Ys at Giga Texas, so it seems almost certain that Tesla is in their final evaluation phases prior to this variant’s launch.
With that said, let’s dive into what we saw at the ‘Ring.
Minor Exterior Updates
The Nürburgring prototype was fully wrapped in a white and black camouflage, but thanks to the crisp photos, we got some detailed looks at the exterior of the vehicle. A new and more distinct spoiler is on the rear hatch, similar to the previous generation’s Performance model. That spoiler is likely carbon fiber and will also likely make its way to the Tesla store in the future as a cosmetic add-on for non-Performance buyers.
That spoiler is super noticeable from the side.
Carscoops
Carscoops also noticed that the vehicle was sitting noticeably closer to the ground than the refreshed Model Y Long Range. We’re expecting Tesla to include an adaptive suspension system, similar to the one that arrived with the Model 3 Performance. These adaptive suspensions can adjust to driver and road input in real-time with adaptive damping.
Interestingly, the front fascia looks relatively unchanged, lacking the dedicated brake cooling ducts that the Model 3 Performance has.
Powertrain
As usual with Tesla, we haven’t heard anything in terms of official specs on the powertrain for this Performance variant, but we can make some good guesses. The Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance usually sport the same amount of horsepower, so we’re guessing that the refreshed Model Y Performance will also have 510 HP. That gives it about a 3.2-second 0-60 mph (0-100km/h), which is a generous upgrade from the previous generation’s 3.5-second speed at 470 hp.
Wheels & Brakes
On the ‘Ring, the refreshed Model Y Performance is sporting new alloy wheels that are reminiscent yet slightly distinct from the Model S Arachnid wheels. These new Performance wheels also look like they’re a staggered setup, similar to the rest of Tesla’s performance lineup, which means wider rear wheels for better traction and handling. Alongside the red brake calipers, we expect that there are larger, performance-optimized brakes to handle track days.
Pretty Arachnid-looking wheels. We like them!
Carscoops
Performance Launch Date?
Given the fact that this is only the second time we’ve seen the refreshed Model Y Performance, we expect the launch to be a couple of months out. Tesla is still likely working on optimizing the adaptive suspension characteristics and fine-tuning Track Mode 3.0 for the vehicle, and hopefully also designing some unique Performance seats to go with it all.
We’d expect Tesla to launch this variant sometime in late Q3 or early Q4 2025, which is still a few months away. Perhaps the new Model S and Model X will also launch alongside it? That may just make a great Tesla event.
Carscoops, which keeps a close eye on racetracks around the world for new models in testing, has spotted what appears to be the refreshed Model S at Nürburgring in Germany. Tesla is testing out the new Model S, which is likely a Plaid, on the track. Tesla was taking this new Model S for some laps around the track, which serves as an excellent testing ground for high-performance vehicles like the Model S Plaid.
The updated Model S was seen wearing some white and black camouflage over the front and rear, but from the photos that were provided, the changes appear to be relatively minimal and focused on aerodynamics, at least on the exterior.
Not a Juniper-Level Refresh
Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, mentioned that Tesla was working on updating the Model S and Model X. However, he didn’t quite say just how much of a refresh was on its way. Lars’ comments were very general, and he didn’t mention any details.
Based on what we’ve observed at the ‘Ring,’ this Model S refresh doesn’t appear to be a full-blown Model Y Juniper level refresh, which included a light bar, new headlights, and other substantial changes to the rear and front of the vehicle.
New Front Bumper Camera
At first glance, the front fascia looks remarkably similar to the existing Model S, but there are a few key differences.
First up is the addition of a new lower lip spoiler mounted at the very bottom of the front bumper. These spoilers help to improve aerodynamic efficiency and downforce at high speeds, which is entirely appropriate for a vehicle that thrives on tracks like the Nürburgring.
On the other hand, the distinctive headlights and eyeliner-style running lights appear to remain intact, keeping the overall look of the front relatively similar. Tesla has kept the black space with the Tesla logo at the front of the vehicle. While it’s difficult to tell on the front shots, you can tell it’s still there from the side shots.
Another little item was the return of the front bumper camera. Tesla is shipping both the refreshed Model Y and the Cybertruck with a bumper camera, so it isn’t surprising to see this, but it is one of the best indications that this is a new vehicle being tested.
Can you spot the little nub with the bumper camera?
CarScoops
Wheels & Brakes
The prototype was spotted sporting some new alloy racing wheels that bear a distinctive resemblance to the Photon wheels that ship with the Model 3. If you take off the aero covers from the Photon wheels, they look exceptionally similar. This seems relatively odd, as Tesla’s top-end performance wheels are usually distinctively different from other wheel options.
We also saw the currently-available Arachnid wheels on the same Model S being tested, on the way to and from the track. Tesla likely switched out to these new wheels to test their performance and handling characteristics on the track.
The original Arachnids on this Model S tester
CarScoops
Rear End
From the available images, the rear end of this new test vehicle appears to be largely unchanged. The tail light design, bumper shape, and overall profile look essentially the same as today’s Model S, which means that Tesla’s work has likely focused on the front of the vehicle.
The rear diffuser looks a bit different, but seems essentially the same.
Not a Tesla App
What Else?
With the exterior changes appearing to be relatively minimal, it’s plausible that more significant updates could be found within the cabin. Tesla could be working on interior updates that help bring the new Model S more in line with the new Model 3 and Model Y.
A focus point for Tesla may be the Model S Plaid’s powertrain. The S Plaid used to hold several records, at least until the Lucid Air Sapphire and Rimac Nevera came along to steal the trophies. Tesla could be improving both the front and rear motors, as well as the other portions of the drivetrain needed to grab a podium finish once again, which would be just as exciting as Plaid+ being announced again.
Given the minimalistic changes to the exterior, it seems unlikely that Tesla has made drastic changes to the vehicle as a whole, though. We don’t expect this updated version of the Model S to launch with Steer-by-Wire or any of the other new technologies pioneered by the Cybertruck. Although Tesla says they will be used in future vehicles, even Juniper launched without these Cybertruck upgrades.
Tesla could still surprise everyone, as is their habit with vehicle announcements, but we’re expecting a slightly faster, slightly cooler-looking Model S at this point.
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