Elon Musk announced that the upcoming Tesla Roadster will feature autonomous capabilities, allowing the vehicle to perform complex maneuvers upon voice command. The CEO described this functionality as a form of machine consciousness, enabling the car to replicate stunts demonstrated during official presentations.
During a recent event in Texas, the prototype showcased its agility by jumping over obstacles with mid-air rotations and navigating curved ramps. To support further testing, Tesla plans to construct a dedicated track at its headquarters featuring loops where owners can evaluate the vehicle's performance.
Technical specifications for the model include an acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 0.81 seconds. Musk stated that the top speed could exceed 0.5 Mach, or approximately 612 kilometers per hour, significantly surpassing the 370 kilometers per hour previously associated with the Thrust and Rocket versions.
The vehicle will achieve these performance metrics through a combination of rear-mounted thrusters, orientation control nozzles, and specialized fans designed to generate downforce. The car will also utilize active aerodynamics to maintain stability at high speeds.
Tesla has scheduled the start of mass production for the Roadster in 2028. The company aims to integrate these advanced systems to provide a unique driving experience that leverages both autonomous software and specialized hardware components.
