Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has introduced the eagerly awaited next generation Roadster, which features the ability to fly thanks to SpaceX thrusters.
During a dramatic demonstration, the car drove up a ramp, flipped upside down, soared into the air, and completed a flip before landing, thrilling the audience. Musk remarked, “Well, it worked.”
This unveiling marks a key moment for the redesigned sports car, initially revealed in 2017. However, despite the exciting showcase, Tesla has announced that production will not begin until 2028, meaning customers will need to wait longer for their new vehicle.
Tesla Roadster Uses Suction and Rocket Style Thrusters
The Roadster’s unique demonstration utilized a fan to create suction beneath the car, along with rocket style thrusters inspired by SpaceX.
“The fan generates up to twice the force of gravity, allowing the car to drive upside down on a ramp,” explained Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of vehicle engineering. In the second part of the demo, SpaceX inspired thrusters powered the vehicle.
Musk described the system as having altitude control thrusters and larger back thrusters, enabling the car to perform impressive flips. In another demonstration, the Roadster hovered before executing a “kickflip” over a line of Tesla vehicles.
While Tesla showcased these features, they were conducted in a controlled environment, meaning the Roadster’s flying capabilities have not been tested for real world use. Musk also noted that the Roadster may not prioritize safety, emphasizing the novelty of its features.
Tesla Claims Acceleration of Under One Second
Tesla highlighted the new Roadster’s acceleration, boasting that it can reach 60 mph from a standstill in under one second.
The vehicle engineering chief reported that the Roadster has a claimed top speed exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h) and a range of over 300 miles (around 480 km) on a single charge.
These specifications remain claims, and independent testing will be necessary to confirm the production vehicle’s performance.
The new Roadster is essentially a high performance electric sports car, with the thruster system adding a unique aspect.
Three Roadster Versions Available for Reservation
Tesla is offering reservations for three versions of the new Roadster: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. The Performance model requires a $50,000 deposit, while the Thrust version, which includes acceleration thrusters, needs a $250,000 deposit. These are reservation deposits, not final prices.
The Rocket model is invitation only, designed as a single seat vehicle with a full flight system.
Tesla has not disclosed final retail prices, and the availability of the Rocket model may vary by region. This suggests Tesla aims to provide both high performance options and more unique variants utilizing the thruster system.
Nearly a Decade of Delays for the Roadster
The second generation Roadster was first revealed in 2017, with Tesla initially planning to begin deliveries in 2020. However, the vehicle has faced multiple delays.
The latest unveiling signifies that Tesla has another high profile vehicle after years of anticipation. Nonetheless, production is slated to start in 2028, with no official delivery timeline for customers who have reserved a vehicle.
This unveiling also aligns with Tesla’s shift towards self driving technology, AI, and robotics. The Roadster will serve as a showcase project rather than a mass market model.
Its connection with SpaceX adds intrigue, as both companies, led by Musk, are focused on advancing technology.
Concerns About Safety and Road Use Remain
Despite the impressive demonstration, there are still questions about the Roadster’s readiness for road use.
The showcase does not confirm that the vehicle can function as a flying car in real world conditions. Tesla has yet to provide all necessary technical and regulatory details required for the thruster equipped Roadster to operate on public roads. Additionally, the company has not clarified when deliveries will commence, nearly a decade after the initial unveiling.
Currently, the Roadster’s latest reveal offers a glimpse into Tesla’s vision for electric performance vehicles. Its transition from a remarkable demonstration to an actual production vehicle will hinge on engineering, safety, regulatory compliance, and Tesla’s ability to meet the 2028 production timeline.