The seemingly never-ending wait to reveal the production version of the second-generation Tesla Roadster has been extended once again and this time, it’s because of the weather. The electric car giant has postponed its upcoming Roadster reveal event from October 1 to October 15 because of forecasts of severe weather in Texas, where the outdoor event is due to be held.

“We’ve been tracking the weather closely with local meteorologists, but given the severe conditions predicted & because this event can only be held outdoors, we’ve made the difficult decision to reschedule,” Tesla said.

It’s another delay for a car that was originally revealed in concept form way back in November 2017 and, at the time, was expected to enter production in 2020. The latest delay comes as Tesla has been granted a new patent that could provide another clue about the technology destined for its long-awaited electric sports car.

Schematic side view of a tubular device showing a central inlet, suction region, and outlet with flow arrows labeled 13, 17, and 14.
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The patent, titled ‘Electric Fan Car’ (pictured above), details an active aerodynamic system using four electrically powered ducted fans mounted within the vehicle’s rear diffuser. The fans draw air from underneath the car and release it through the rear, apparently reducing pressure beneath the vehicle and effectively sucking it towards the road.

It appears to be a similar system to the one used in the McMurtry Spéirling Pure electric track car, which has set records at places like the Goodwood Festival of Speed as its immense downforce allows for extreme cornering speeds.

Tesla has not confirmed that the technology will make production or that’s intended specifically for its upcoming sports car, but the timing certainly raises eyebrows. Tesla also recently filed a patent application for a sophisticated active rear wing, with illustrations showing a low-slung vehicle resembling the Roadster.

Red sports car speeding along a highway with a blurred desert hillside background, emphasizing sleek, aerodynamic styling.
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That system could reportedly produce up to 700kg of downforce at high speeds, while also incorporating a drag-reduction function and the ability to automatically alter the wing’s position depending on a variety of factors like the vehicle’s speed, steering, braking and acceleration.

Both new patents would fit with Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s ambitious promises for the Roadster. When the original concept appeared in 2017, Tesla claimed a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 1.9 seconds, a top speed above 400km/h and a driving range approaching 1000km. Those claims have only become more extreme since, with Musk boasting that its 0-60mph time is now less than one second, repeatedly discussing an optional ‘SpaceX package’ using gas thrusters, and even suggesting that it will be capable of brief flight.