Tesla showcased the experimental capabilities of its long-delayed next-generation Roadster during a high-profile event at SpaceX’s Rocket Development and Testing facility in Waco, Texas. Led by CEO Elon Musk, the presentation featured an electric supercar that briefly flew, drove upside down, and achieved acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under a second.
The demonstration lasted less than 30 minutes and focused heavily on stunt-show theatrics rather than conventional product specifications. During the live presentation, the wedge-shaped, cyberpunk-inspired vehicle drove up an inverted half roller-coaster ramp using a multi-mode suction system, launched off the ramp upside down, and utilized air thrusters to right itself before landing on the tarmac. In another stunt, the Roadster vaulted over a line of Tesla vehicles, including a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3, before executing a controlled landing.
Three Configurations and SpaceX-Inspired Tech
Tesla announced that the next-generation Roadster will be offered in three distinct configurations:
- Performance: Designed for road use, seating two people, featuring active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system to enhance grip. Tesla claims a 0-60 mph time of under 1.6 seconds.
- Thrust: A race-ready configuration seating two people, adding rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters alongside the suction system to achieve sub-one-second 0-60 mph acceleration.
- Rocket: An air-ready, single-seat configuration equipped with perimeter-mounted cold-gas thrusters capable of providing forward, upward, sideways, and rotational movement. Tesla states this top-end version can hit 60 mph in under 0.59 seconds and reach speeds exceeding 230 mph.
Engineering VP Lars Moravy explained that the vehicle’s thruster system relies on Carbon Fiber Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) packed into every available void in the car. These vessels store compressed air that can be recharged while driving. The system utilizes 10 nozzles to propel the vehicle with ultra-high-pressure air, generating forces significantly higher than conventional tire grip allows.
Design and Development Timeline
The Roadster’s updated design draws heavy inspiration from military aircraft, specifically the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance jet and the F-35 fighter jet. The minimalist interior features an Ultrawhite color scheme, grey microsuede detailing, manual controls, and a fixed seating position to reduce overall vehicle weight.
The vehicle’s journey to this stage spans nearly a decade. A prototype version was originally unveiled as a surprise during the Tesla Semi event in November 2017, with initial delivery targets set for 2020. However, production deadlines slipped repeatedly as Tesla prioritized mass-market vehicles such as the Model Y and navigated the development of the Cybertruck.
Production Targets and Reservations
During the Texas event, Musk announced that Tesla plans to enter production for the Roadster in 2028. While official pricing details for the production models were not finalized during the presentation, Tesla opened reservations for prospective buyers. The company requires a $5,000 initial deposit, followed by an additional $45,000 wire transfer within 10 days for the Performance trim. Higher trims involve significantly steeper reservation costs and invite-only access.
Although the demonstration highlighted unprecedented engineering feats, analysts note that key commercial and regulatory details regarding the street-legal status of these experimental features remain unresolved as the company targets a 2028 manufacturing rollout.
