Elon Musk suggested that the new Tesla Roadster may not "need any key at all" as the prototype is equipped with an interesting door system.
When Tesla unveiled the Roadster prototype in 2017, CEO Elon Musk claimed a list of insanely impressive specs, including 0-60 mph in 1.9 sec, 620 miles of range, and more.
The specifications are intended to be a "major smackdown to gasoline supercars."
Furthermore, Tesla is also looking to introduce some new features in the new Roadster, such as the SpaceX package, which consists of cold air thrusters around the vehicle.
Now, Musk says the new Roadster "may not need any key at all."
He made the comment in a response to tech Youtuber Marques Brownlee who has a reservation for the new Tesla Roadster:
Maybe don't need any key at all
̵
1; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 20, 2019 [19659009] Tesla had pioneered the use of phones to unlock and start cars, but it never let go the key foot completely.At the launch of Model 3, Tesla made the owner's phone the main key with a key card as a backup.
Some owners complained about problems when trying to unlock the car with the Tesla mobile app and the car manufacturer finally ended up offering a key fob for Model 3.
For the Roadster, it sounds like Tesla has no plans to have a .
Interestingly, the next gen Roadster prototype was equipped with a new door locking system where you swiped your finger next to the door (via Hamid Shojaee):
![]()
The prototype is not a fingerprint reader, and instead appears to be a touch sensitive button that acts as a door handle.
Originally, Musk talked about launching the new Tesla Roadster in 2020, but recently he tempered expectations when it came to the time of the release of the supercar, saying it's not a priority.
The next-generation Roadster is now expected in 2021, but it is still unconfirmed.
Recently, Tesla said that the next-generation Roadster "is evolving into something better than the prototype in every way."
FTC: We use revenue earning auto-affiliate links. Mer.
Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for exclusive videos and subscribe to the podcast.