Tesla opens UAE bookings for new Roadster with deposits of up to Dh1.02 million

Dubai: Tesla has opened bookings in the UAE for its all-new Roadster in Performance and Thrust variants, with reservation deposits reaching Dh1.02 million for the Thrust model. A third version, the Rocket, which is equipped with a flight system, is available by invitation only. According to the booking page, reserving the Thrust variant requires an initial payment of Dh20,000, followed by an additional Dh1 million within 10 days. Orders are limited to one car per customer due to limited availability. Tesla has not announced the final price of the car. The reservation agreement states that options, specifications and features are still under development and that the company therefore cannot confirm the purchase price at this stage. The amounts required are reservation deposits rather than the final price. The company states that a reservation is not final until the required payments have been received and may be cancelled if payment is not completed within the specified period. Tesla also reserves the right to cancel duplicate orders. For the Performance variant, reservation deposits total Dh210,000, comprising an initial Dh20,000 payment and a further Dh190,000 within 10 days. Both the Performance and Thrust models have two seats. The Performance features active aerodynamics and a multi-mode intake system designed to enhance traction, while the Thrust adds rear cold-gas thrusters that Tesla says enable acceleration from zero to 60mph, or about 97kph, in less than one second. The Rocket, meanwhile, is a single-seat version equipped with a flight system. Tesla describes it as available “by invitation only”, meaning it cannot be reserved through the general booking process available for the other two variants. The Rocket uses propellers positioned around its structure to support forward and upward movement and control rotation. Tesla states that the vehicle is not approved for use on public roads and is not available in all areas.