The Long-Awaited Tesla Roadster Will Hit the Petersen Museum Tomorrow

• Tesla first unveiled the upcoming Tesla Roadster in late 2017, at an event introducing the Tesla Semi.

• The prototype will be on display at the Petersen Museum until June 2, sitting next to an original Tesla Roadster.

• Elon promises production will begin next year.

While Elon Musk, self-proclaimed “Technoking of Tesla,” has been “optimistic” in his product rollout announcements, the Petersen Automotive Museum has always been spot-on. So when the Petersen says you can come down to the museum and see a real, live production Tesla Roadster starting Wednesday, you can be pretty sure it’ll actually be there.

A pre-production prototype of the mighty Tesla two-seater will be parked on the second floor in the museum’s “Building An Electric Future” exhibit. It’ll be next to the museum’s 2006 original Tesla Roadster, which carries serial number 7. There are other electric cars in the display, too, including the Volkswagen I.D. R that set the all-time speed record of 7:57 at Pikes Peak in 2018.

The Tesla roadster will be there from May 19 to June 2. Advanced online reservations are required and the first three days are already sold out.

How did the museum score such a car?

“We’ve always benefited from a close relationship with Tesla,” said Petersen COO Michael Bodell, noting that they also showcased the Tesla Cybertruck last year. “We also have the Model S concept on display alongside our original roadster.”

Tesla’s design center is located just a couple freeways down from the museum, twelve-and-a-half miles away in Hawthorne, Calif.

“The addition of the Tesla Roadster prototype is an astonishing reminder of how far Tesla has come as an electric vehicle powerhouse,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “Guests will be able to see and compare the new Roadster to the original and experience the decade-long progression of the brand.”

The roadster is such a draw not just because of its sleek exterior or even its Muskian provenance. The car promises outrageous performance. As near as we can gather from the most recent claims, the two-seater will do 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, 0-100 in 4.2, and will hit a top speed of 250 mph. If we are to believe the claims, those numbers will be assisted by what Musk has said will be rocket propulsion. Speculation has assumed that means compressed air jetted out the back of the car for launches, but also out the front of the car for increased braking, or even out the sides for better handling. Range for the EV will be 621 miles on what may be a 200-kWh battery.

Most recent pricing was $250,000 for the first 1000 and $200,000 thereafter.

How long will you have to wait for this wonder of technology?

“Finishing engineering this year (2021), production starts next year,” Musk said in a Tweet January 28. “Aiming to have release candidate design drivable late summer. Tri-motor drive system & advanced battery work were important precursors.”

When you’re done ogling the Tesla, be sure and check out all the other cool stuff in the museum: The James Hetfield Collection of ultra-cool customs, Porsche’s “Redefining Performance” gathering of race cars, Chip Ganassi race cars, Italian motorcycles, and much more. It’ll be the best $16 you spend all week.

Share your thoughts on the upcoming 2022 Tesla Roadster—and the continued promise of rocket power—in the comments below.