Tesla Unveils Rocket-Powered Roadster With Aerial Stunt Capabilities
Envision a sports car that transcends mere speed; it executes aerial flips, performs barrel rolls, and seemingly soars over other automobiles. Tesla’s redesigned Roadster is set to advance this vision, featuring rocket-inspired thrusters developed with technology linked to SpaceX. Tesla unveiled the second-generation Roadster during an event held at SpaceX’s rocket development and testing facility in Texas. During the demonstration, the electric sports car executed a remarkable manoeuvre by driving upside-down along a large curved ramp, flipping through the air, and landing safely. The car seemingly vaulted over a semi-truck and hovered above Tesla’s Cybertruck before descending back to the ground. “Well, it worked,” Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk remarked following the successful landing of the car. Tesla stated that the Roadster has the capability to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in one second. Musk also stated it could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in merely 0.81 seconds. “Flying cars are real,” said Lars Moravy, Tesla’s vice-president of vehicle engineering.
Musk described the Roadster as “the best of the last of the human-driven cars”. The vehicle is designed to combine the performance of a supercar with technology inspired by SpaceX’s aerospace engineering. Tesla’s reservation website presents three variants of the forthcoming electric sports car: performance, thrust, and rocket. Each provides a distinct level of performance equipment, with the most sophisticated system allocated to the premium model. The ‘performance’ version will not include rocket thrusters. The ‘thrust’ variant will incorporate rear-facing boosters aimed at enhancing acceleration, whereas the ‘rocket’ version will be equipped with 10 thrusters and what Tesla refers to as a comprehensive flight system. The system employs compressed gas, utilising onboard compressors specifically engineered for recharging purposes. Tesla has yet to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the operational mechanics of the flight system under varying driving conditions, as well as the limitations that will govern its usage. The three versions exhibit variations in their reservation prerequisites and accessibility.
Tesla has established a deposit requirement of $50,000 for the ‘performance’ model, while the ‘thrust’ version, which is available in limited quantities, necessitates a deposit of $250,000. The ‘rocket’ variant is accessible solely through invitation and is characterised as a single-seater. The company has not provided details regarding the criteria for customer selection for the Rocket model or the anticipated production volume of vehicles. Moravy stated that the Roadster employs 10 thrusters linked to 600 litres of compressed air to elevate the vehicle and rotate it in mid-air. He noted that the air tank is capable of being recharged. The vehicle employs carbon fibre overwrapped pressure vessels for the storage of compressed gas. These vessels are engineered to hold gas at elevated pressures and find applications in the aerospace sector. The performance technology of the Roadster extends beyond just thrusters. Tesla states that all three variants will incorporate a fan-powered suction system designed to produce up to 2G of downforce. Downforce exerts a force on a vehicle, directing it toward the roadway, thereby enhancing traction and stability, especially at elevated velocities and during acute manoeuvres. Tesla showcased the system during the unveiling, as the vehicle navigated upside-down along a curved ramp.
Tesla has announced that the new Roadster is set to debut in 2028, nearly 11 years following the initial reveal of the second-generation model in 2017. When it was initially announced, Tesla aimed for deliveries in 2020. The company had also committed to delivering a four-seat electric sports car, boasting a purported driving range of approximately 1,000 kilometres on a single charge. The latest reservation details indicate that Tesla is requesting deposits of $50,000 for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust variant. The original Roadster, launched in 2008 and discontinued in 2012, represented Tesla’s inaugural foray into the production of electric vehicles. It was founded on the Lotus Elise platform and played a crucial role in solidifying the company’s initial standing in the electric vehicle sector. The second-generation model aims to steer the Roadster toward a new trajectory, merging exceptional acceleration with advancements in technology cultivated in conjunction with SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace enterprise.
