# Tesla Roadster Design: Bold or Catfish?

> New Tesla Roadster looks wildly different from 2017 concept after $50k-$250k deposit.
- Title: Tesla Roadster Design: Bold or Catfish? · Car and Driver
- Summary: New Tesla Roadster looks wildly different from 2017 concept after $50k-$250k deposit. Tesla’s 2029 Roadster design changes drastically from its 2017 concept…
- Keywords: tesla, roadster, 2029, design, concept, 2017, cars, Bold, Catfish, Car and Driver
- Source: Car and Driver — https://caranddriver.com/news/a74158531/2029-tesla-roadster-design-changes
- Author: Jack Fitzgerald
- Published: 2026-10-16T16:07:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tesla, roadster, 2029, design, concept, 2017, cars
## New Tesla Roadster Design
The 2029 Tesla Roadster features a sharp angular look inspired by military planes like the SR-71 Blackbird and F-35 fighter jet.
## 2017 Concept vs. New Design
The 2017 Roadster concept had a sharp front end like the Acura NSX, a targa top, and a curvy body, while the new model uses the Cybertruck’s angular style with butterfly doors and a fixed…
## Design Changes
Tesla updated the Roadster’s design from the 2017 concept, removing softness for a more angular profile with a long profile and active spoiler.
## Customer Confusion
Customers who paid $50,000 to $250,000 for the 2017 concept now face a car that looks completely different than expected.
## Design Inspiration
The new Roadster’s white paint job resembles the Lotus Esprit S1 from James Bond’s The Spy Who Loved Me.
## Key takeaway

Tesla’s 2029 Roadster design changes drastically from its 2017 concept, confusing customers who paid deposits years ago.