Tesla and SpaceX staged a high-stakes prototype demonstration in McGregor, Texas, revealing a new generation of the Tesla Roadster equipped with rocket-derived thrusters. CEO Elon Musk presented the vehicle to an assembled audience, showcasing capabilities that included launching off ramps to perform aerial corkscrews and driving upside down.
The engineering behind these maneuvers relies on a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX. The prototype utilizes an advanced ultra-high-pressure air tank to power SpaceX cold-gas thrusters delivering 80 kilonewtons of thrust without requiring separate fuel. During the live demonstration, the vehicle achieved a zero-to-sixty-miles-per-hour acceleration time of 0.81 seconds. Additionally, suction fans enable the vehicle to generate more than two Gs of cornering grip, facilitating upside-down driving capabilities.
While the demonstration proceeded without catastrophic failures, the vehicle's unique design faces significant regulatory and practical hurdles. Federal Aviation Administration rules classify any vehicle rising off the ground as an aircraft, which would likely restrict the use of aerial features to pre-approved locations. Furthermore, the deafening noise of the thrusters and extreme G-forces present hurdles for standard street use.
Tesla plans to offer the new Roadster in three configurations named Performance, Thrust, and Rocket, with only the top tier housing the thrusters required for vertical-axis movement. Company leadership stated that production is slated for 2028, though specific pricing and detailed technical specifications remain unreleased following the initial prototype unveiling.
Tesla Unveils SpaceX-Powered Roadster Capable of Aerial Corkscrews
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