Tesla has again postponed the reveal of its second-generation Roadster, moving the event from October 1 to October 15. Both TechCrunch and Electrek report that the company cited a forecast of severe weather in central Texas, where the event is to be held at SpaceX's rocket test site near Waco. The event can only be held outdoors, Tesla said, because the centerpiece is a hover demonstration using SpaceX-developed cold gas thrusters.
The two outlets agree on the basic facts but differ in interpretation. TechCrunch notes the delay is the latest in a long series, including a planned April Fools' Day event that Musk said would give him "deniability" if it slipped. Electrek's reporting includes forecast data showing rain and thunderstorms on the original date, but its editor writes that the company is "not buying" that weather is the only reason, suggesting the remote-controlled hover stunt may be difficult to pull off.
The Roadster program has been delayed for years. Tesla first showed the concept in 2017 and has collected deposits of $50,000 for standard cars and $250,000 for Founders Series versions. Musk has said production remains a year or more away after the eventual reveal. Electrek argues that a car that is actually for sale shouldn't need clear skies to be shown, and questions whether October 15 will bring final specs or another "flashy video."