Tesla has lodged two new trademark applications in the United States, reigniting speculation around its long-awaited second-generation Roadster.
Filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office on February 3, the applications cover a new stylised ‘Roadster’ wordmark and a minimalist design logo believed to reference the vehicle’s silhouette. While trademark filings alone do not confirm production readiness, they typically signal that branding work is being locked in ahead of a public reveal.
For the Tesla Roadster model, first unveiled in 2017 and repeatedly delayed since, the filings represent the brand’s most concrete Roadster-related activity in several years.
Trademark classification hints at production intent
Notably, both trademarks are classified under IC012, a category covering electric land vehicles and their components, rather than apparel, promotional merchandise or concept branding.
That distinction is significant. It suggests the filings are tied to an actual vehicle program, rather than a defensive or speculative move, and points to Tesla preparing final production branding rather than revisiting an abandoned concept.
Minimalist logo echoes Cybertruck branding strategy
One of the filings features a spare, three-line graphic described as a flowing triangular design. Despite its simplicity, the illustration appears to outline the Roadster’s side profile, highlighting a low roofline, cab-forward stance and pronounced rear haunches.
The approach mirrors Tesla’sCybertruck branding strategy, which also launched with a stark, standalone logo separate from Tesla’s traditional ‘T’ badge. If repeated here, it would suggest the Tesla Roadster is being positioned as a distinct halo product rather than just another model within Tesla’s core line-up.
IP chief sign-off points to coordinated launch prep
The trademark applications were authorised by Tesla’s Associate General Counsel and Head of Intellectual Property, Keaton Parekh, a detail that further suggests the move is part of a coordinated pre-launch effort rather than routine legal housekeeping.
Senior IP sign-off is typically reserved for programs with near-term relevance, reinforcing the view that Tesla is actively preparing the Roadster for its long-promised return.
April reveal timing resurfaces, cautiously
The filings also align with recent comments from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has repeatedly flagged April 2026 as the company’s current target for the Roadster’s reveal, including during Tesla’s Q3 and Q4 2025 earnings calls.
Musk has previously described the Roadster as potentially “the most memorable product unveil ever”, though Tesla’s history of shifting timelines means any date should be treated with caution until formally confirmed.
A halo car was delayed, but not discarded
First shown nearly a decade ago, the second-generation Tesla Roadster was pitched as the brand’s ultimate technological showcase, promising hypercar-rivalling acceleration, extreme top speed and unprecedented electric driving range.
However, the project has been pushed aside multiple times as Tesla prioritised higher-volume vehicles and newer initiatives such as the Cybertruck, Robotaxi and autonomous driving development. Musk has openly acknowledged the frustration of early customers, many of whom placed substantial deposits years ago.
Following Tesla’s recent decision to discontinue the Model S and Model X in some markets, speculation mounted that the Roadster could quietly suffer a similar fate. The latest filings suggest that, for now at least, the project remains alive.
When could customers actually see it?
Even if Tesla proceeds with an unveiling in April, production is widely expected to remain at least 12 to 18 months away. That would push first customer deliveries into late 2027 at the earliest, including for markets such as Australia.
Pricing has yet to be reconfirmed, though previous guidance pointed to a local starting price well into six figures, with a limited Founders Series requiring a significantly higher upfront commitment.
Still a promise, but a stronger signal than before
Nearly ten years after its debut, the Tesla Roadster remains one of the most ambitious and elusive vehicles ever announced by the brand. While new trademarks won’t satisfy long-suffering deposit holders on their own, they do suggest the Roadster has moved from limbo back into active preparation.
Whether Tesla can finally deliver a production-ready Roadster that lives up to its extraordinary claims, and its extraordinary wait, remains the real test.
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