Tesla unveiled the second generation of its Roadster electric sports car during an event held at a SpaceX facility in Texas, after about nine years since the first prototype was presented in 2017 and after postponing the production date originally scheduled for 2020. The company presented a demonstration that included the car driving up a ramp while upside down, performing turns in the air, and jumping over other cars.
The demonstration was not merely a visual spectacle; Tesla said the car uses a suction system that helps it adhere to the ramp while upside down, while some versions are also equipped with cold-gas thrusters to assist with acceleration and maneuvers. The car appeared during the demonstration being driven by an Optimus robot, while Elon Musk explained that the vehicle was not necessarily designed according to the highest safety priorities.
Three Versions with Different Capabilities
Tesla specified three trims for the Roadster. The Performance version includes a multi-mode suction system to generate downforce, but does not receive the thrusters. The Thrust version adds cold-gas thrusters at the rear to improve acceleration. The top-equipped Rocket version comes with thrusters distributed around the car’s perimeter, which are expected to support forward and upward acceleration, in addition to lateral rotational movement.
The car includes two seats and a steer-by-wire system, while the rear wing can automatically adjust its position according to driving conditions. Tesla said the car recorded acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour in 0.81 seconds, with expectations of achieving a better time later. Musk also indicated that its top speed exceeds 235 miles per hour, without providing a final figure.
Reservations and Price Remain Undecided
The previous $50,000 reservations apply to the Performance version, while the Thrust version can be reserved with a $250,000 deposit. The Rocket version is available by invitation only. Tesla has not disclosed a final price for the car, meaning that the value of the deposit for the Thrust version suggests that the total price could be very high, but the source does not provide a confirmed figure.
In 2017, Tesla had promised a range of up to 620 miles, a 200-kilowatt-hour battery, and a starting price of $250,000. However, these specifications and this price cannot be considered final specifications for the new version after years of delays.
What Changes in Practice?
The demonstration places the Roadster in a different category from conventional electric sports cars by combining systems for controlling downforce and aerodynamic propulsion with a spectacle-oriented performance that includes jumping and spinning. However, the source does not establish that these maneuvers will be available in the same manner on public roads or that the car will be legal for road use with these capabilities. The demonstration was also programmed and prepared for a special event, so questions about reliability, safety, regulatory certification, and actual availability remain open.
Tesla is targeting the start of production in 2028, a promise that requires cautious consideration given that the Roadster has been delayed since its initial announcement. Musk also said that the Roadster will ultimately be the only Tesla car driven manually, pointing to a broader vision for the company in which self-driving cars may become the norm, while this car retains a role as a high-priced product for enthusiasts of traditional driving.