Tesla showcased a new Roadster prototype on October 15 at the SpaceX testing facility in Texas. The vehicle features a propulsion system developed with SpaceX, utilizing powerful fans and compressed-air thrusters to perform aerial maneuvers and jumps. According to Lars Moravy, the system includes ten nozzles and two tanks with a total capacity of 600 liters, holding 250 kilograms of compressed air.
The company claims the new Roadster can accelerate to 60 mph in under one second, reach speeds exceeding 370 km/h, and offers a range of 480 km. These performance figures remain unverified. The demonstration featured an unmanned vehicle performing stunts, including a mid-air flip and jumping over other Tesla models like the Cybertruck and Semi.
Tesla plans to offer three versions of the Roadster, with the Rocket edition available by invitation only. Deposits for the first two models are set at $50,000 and $250,000, though final pricing remains undisclosed. Elon Musk stated that mass production is scheduled to begin in 2028.
The project follows initial announcements from 2017 and subsequent delays. While Tesla markets the vehicle as a flying car, aviation experts note significant engineering challenges regarding weight and safety regulations for road-legal vehicles. Musk has previously acknowledged that the Roadster is unlikely to have a major impact on Tesla's overall revenue.
