Tesla has unveiled its redesigned second-generation Roadster, featuring SpaceX thrusters, which CEO Elon Musk described as "the best of the last of the human-driven cars." The reveal took place at an event outside Waco, Texas, where Musk demonstrated the vehicle's capabilities, including driving up an inverted ramp and landing smoothly on the pavement below.
Key Features of the New Roadster
The new Roadster utilizes a combination of high-powered fans and thrusters to perform impressive maneuvers. During the demonstration, the car lifted itself over a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3 while in motion. Musk stated,
“"This will be the actual car that’s on the roads. It literally is just going to puff itself up, and uh, and be able to do this, these maneuvers whenever you’d like."
The long-awaited vehicle is set to enter production in 2028, although Musk did not disclose a price. Tesla will offer the Roadster in three trims:
- Performance: Road-ready, seats two, features active aerodynamics, and a multi-mode suction system.
- Thrust: Race-ready, seats two, equipped with rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters for sub-one-second 0-60 mph times.
- Rocket: Air-ready, seats one, includes 10 cold-gas thrusters positioned around the car.
All trims will have a range of 300 miles and can exceed speeds of 230 miles per hour.
Engineering Innovations
At the event, Engineering VP Lars Moravy explained that the Roadster employs 10 thrusters connected to 600 liters of compressed air, allowing it to lift and spin in mid-air. The air tank can be recharged, and Tesla noted that:
