Sam Altman just exposed what happens when you try to get your money back from Tesla after waiting seven years for a car that still doesn’t exist. OpenAI CEO shared three email screenshots showing his 2018 deposit for the second-generation Roadster—and his failed attempt to cancel it. His emails bounced back because he replied to Tesla’s generic preorder inbox.
Despite the fanfare surrounding its 2017 unveiling, Tesla Roadster continues languishing in what the company politely calls “development.” Offering no production timeline for customers who ponied up $50k deposits. Sam’s situation isn’t unique—it represents thousands of early adopters stuck in the same waiting game.
However, recent developments suggest movement behind the scenes. Tesla posted a Manufacturing Engineer job opening specifically targeting battery systems for the all-new Roadster. Position description mentions “taking large scale manufacturing systems for new battery products and architectures from early concept development through equipment launch.” Represents the first tangible evidence that resources are being allocated toward actual production rather than continued concept work.
Role focuses on “central challenges for the all-new Tesla Roadster product architecture while still in its early development stages,” indicating the project hasn’t completely stalled. Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen recently confirmed on the Ride The Lightning podcast that the vehicle remains scheduled for end of 2025 debut, promising it “will be an amazing car that looks at the limits of physics.”
Tesla maintains extraordinary performance targets for the Tesla Roadster, including 0-100 km/h acceleration under one second — a specification that would redefine production vehicle capabilities. Franz noted the engineering team is “getting close to meeting the very high standards we’ve set for ourselves.” Roadster will supposedly feature exclusive design elements, including what Franz described as “its own complete unique set of paint options.”
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