Tesla showcased the new Roadster at a SpaceX test site in Texas on October 15. During the demonstration, the vehicle performed a jump, flipped in midair, and cleared a row of other Tesla models, including a Semi truck.
The vehicle utilizes cold-gas thrusters, which release compressed air through nozzles. According to Lars Moravy, Tesla's vice president of vehicle engineering, the system features 10 thrusters connected to 600 liters of compressed air, incorporating technology borrowed from SpaceX.
Performance specifications for the single-seat Rocket version include a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under 0.59 seconds. In the live test, the car achieved 0-60 mph in 0.81 seconds. The standard model is reported to have a top speed exceeding 230 mph and a range of over 300 miles.
Tesla has not disclosed a price for the Rocket version, which is available by invitation only. Production is scheduled to commence in 2028. The company currently accepts reservations for other versions, requiring $50,000 for the two-seat Performance and $250,000 for the Thrust model.
The flying version of the Roadster is not currently approved for public road use. Legal operation would likely require certification from both automotive safety regulators and the FAA, a process that can take between five and nine years for new aircraft types.
