The first generation Tesla Roadster was revealed in 2006, and went on sale in 2008. Around 2500 Roadsters were sold globally, based around the underpinnings of the Lotus Elise. Production ended in 2012, since when the firm has concentrated on producing battery, and accessories for existing cars, according to autocar.co.uk.

Company owner Elon Musk revealed that a new Roadster was in development for 2019 while announcing the new Ludicrous Mode for the Tesla Model S, which gives the car sufficient power to achieve 0-60 mph in 2.8 secs.

Referring to that, Musk said: “There is of course only one thing beyond Ludicrous, but that speed is reserved for the next generation Roadster in four years.”

Although Musk gave no further details, the next-generation Roadster is expected to be based around a shortened version of the Model S’s architecture rather than using a bought-in chassis. Taking advantage of battery development enhancements, it is expected to have paced to trouble the very fastest supercars, as well as enough range for everyday use.

Also Apple to have its own electric car

Doug Betts, the former head of global quality at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and an expert in auto manufacturing, has joined Apple in Operations Department. His hiring signals Apple’s work on an electric-car project could be gaining ground.

Apple has hired hundreds of experts to work on the EV project — code-named “Titan” — but hasn’t publicly acknowledged the program, making it hard to assess its scope. Some analysts and investors speculate car manufacturing maybe the next growth avenue targeted by Apple.