Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk has showcased the much-anticipated Roadster’s demo, emphasizing that the car will focus on performance. In a recent interview with entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, Musk was asked about the Tesla Roadster and if the car was going to prioritize safety.
Safety Takes a Backseat
Musk’s response was clear: “It will be a cool demo,” adding that “safety is not the main goal.” He drew comparisons with Italian automaker Ferrari, which offers an enhanced focus on performance. Musk stated, “If safety is your number one goal, don’t buy the Roadster.”
The Roadster’s Capabilities
The billionaire was also asked if the Roadster could hover, to which he responded that it was “classified.” Tesla filed a patent last year detailing an active aerodynamic system that directs airflow through a series of fans to generate downforce. The filing also mentioned that the system could be used to make the car hover.
The Last of Human-Driven Cars
Musk hinted at the rapid adoption of self-driving cars, saying that the Roadster would be “the best of the last of the human-driven cars.” Tesla had earlier shared a new job listing for a role working on the production of the Roadster, which could signal that the vehicle is slated for a launch in the near future.
Controversy Surrounding the Roadster
The Roadster has been an elusive topic that has generated buzz in the tech community, but it has also attracted criticism. OpenAI founder Sam Altman had earlier slammed Tesla for allegedly failing to refund the $50,000 he paid to book the Tesla Roadster. Altman’s comments were in turn criticized by Musk, who said that his refund was fulfilled within 24 hours after the issue surfaced.
Tesla’s Q4 Deliveries
Tesla’s fourth-quarter deliveries fell below market expectations, demonstrating a 16% year-over-year decline as the EV giant delivered 418,227 units. The delivery consensus among analysts for the fourth quarter hovered around 445,000 units.
Price Action
TSLA declined 4.14% to $432.96 at market close but gained 0.46% during the after-hours session.
Conclusion
The Tesla Roadster is set to be a high-performance vehicle, prioritizing speed over safety. With its advanced aerodynamic system and potential for hover capabilities, the Roadster is sure to generate significant interest in the tech community. However, the company’s Q4 deliveries and controversies surrounding the Roadster’s production have raised concerns among investors.