The new generation Tesla Roadster incorporates SpaceX technology, specifically utilizing composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV) to store compressed gas. These tanks are positioned within the vehicle to power thrusters, enabling short-duration flight capabilities and enhanced acceleration.
Tesla notes that standard vehicle dynamics are typically constrained by tire grip. The new propulsion system is designed to generate force four to five times greater than what tires can handle, allowing for significantly faster acceleration compared to conventional cars of similar mass.
Performance specifications for the new Roadster vary by trim level. The Performance model reaches 97 km/h in under 1.6 seconds, the Propulsion version in under 0.9 seconds, and the Rocket variant in under 0.59 seconds. The top speed for the Rocket configuration is expected to exceed 370 km/h.
The company is shifting its design language, moving away from the S3XY lineup toward the aesthetic established by the Cybertruck and Cybercab. Tesla cites aviation engineering, specifically the SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft and the F-35 fighter jet, as key inspirations for this new design direction.
