Tesla Unveils Next-Generation Roadster With Flight Capabilities and 0.81-Second Acceleration
The new supercar features SpaceX cold-gas thrusters and a suction system allowing it to drive upside down at up to 2 Gs.
Tesla has finally revealed its long-delayed next-generation Roadster, unveiling a supercar designed to not only drive but also fly. During an event at SpaceX’s rocket test site in McGregor, Texas, the vehicle demonstrated two major stunts: driving upside down on an inverted ramp and performing a mid-air flip over Tesla’s current vehicle lineup.
What Happened
The presentation centered on two distinct demonstrations of the Roadster’s unique engineering. In the first, the car drove up an inverted half-loop, adhered to the track upside down, and then flipped to parallel alignment before using compressed-air thrusters to right itself and hover briefly before landing. Elon Musk noted that the car was driving itself during this segment to ensure safety, though he stated the production model will be the only manually driven car Tesla produces.
The second stunt involved the Roadster launching off the ground to perform a 'kickflip' over a row of Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, Cybercab, and Semi. Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of vehicle engineering, compared the maneuver to skateboarding, stating, 'Tony Hawk would be proud.'
Technologically, the upside-down driving capability relies on a fan-based suction system underneath the car, capable of pulling up to 2 Gs. This system allows the vehicle to corner at more than 2 Gs, significantly higher than the approximately 1.26 Gs achievable by tires alone. The flight capability is powered by a SpaceX cold-gas thruster package, which uses two carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels holding about 250 kg of air across 600 liters to feed 10 nozzles. The system is self-recharging, meaning no special propellant is required.
Under the floor, Tesla’s newest battery and drive unit deliver 1 MW of power. Tesla claims this setup offers one-third more power than the Model S Plaid with half the mass. In a live test, the Roadster achieved 0-60 mph in 0.81 seconds. Musk indicated that production models could perform better, aiming for speeds approaching 383 mph (half the speed of sound), while the current prototype reached over 230 mph.
The vehicle’s design has shifted significantly from the 2017 concept, adopting a low, wedge-shaped silhouette influenced by the SR-71 Blackbird. It is a two-seater with seats molded into the chassis, a steer-by-wire yoke, and by-wire brakes and throttle. The interior features a unique user interface and an active rear wing that adjusts automatically for traction or speed.
Why It Matters
Tesla has introduced three trims for the new Roadster, each with distinct performance capabilities and requirements. The 'Performance' trim is road-ready with active aero and the suction system, targeting a 0-60 time of under 1.6 seconds. The 'Thrust' trim adds acceleration thrusters for a 0-60 time under 0.9 seconds. The 'Rocket' trim is invite-only, seats only one person, includes a full flight system, and targets a 0-60 time under 0.59 seconds.
While final pricing has not been announced, reservation deposits are substantial: $50,000 for the Performance trim and $250,000 for the Thrust trim. The 'Rocket' trim’s availability is limited, and Tesla notes it will not be available in all regions. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Musk acknowledged legal uncertainties, admitting he is 'not sure it’s necessarily legal in all jurisdictions' for a car with such flight capabilities to be owned. The integration of SpaceX technology into a consumer vehicle represents a significant convergence of aerospace and automotive engineering, potentially setting new benchmarks for high-performance EVs.
The Bottom Line
Tesla’s next-generation Roadster is a high-performance electric supercar featuring flight capabilities via SpaceX thrusters and a suction system for extreme cornering. With production starting in 2028 and reservations requiring significant deposits, the vehicle aims to push the boundaries of speed and physics, though regulatory challenges remain regarding its road legality.
