Host places a deposit on a Tesla Roadster ahead of its presentation

Ahead of an expected Tesla Roadster presentation that day, a host said he had placed a deposit and was ready to walk away if the car did not impress him. A participant gave the presentation time as 7:55 p.m. Central, or 5:55 p.m. Pacific; the time was not independently confirmed in the discussion. The hosts discussed a rumor that 7:55 might refer to a quarter-mile time, but it remained speculation. The host said he had paid $5,000 by credit card and would need to wire another $45,000 within 10 days. He said he could assess the presentation that night and keep his place in line if the Roadster looked compelling, or cancel and leave the line if it did not. He estimated that tying up $5,000 for two days at a 6% interest rate would cost about $5 in foregone returns.

Discussion of the car’s capabilities was speculative, not a report of confirmed features. One host predicted the demonstration might involve ramps and a jump; another bet that the car would rise more than 3 feet from flat ground, possibly more than 6 feet. The hosts also joked about rocket engines, thrusters or fans lifting the car, and a looped ramp sending it through the air before landing. The excerpts did not establish any actual Roadster capabilities.