Tesla has revealed its next-generation Roadster, and the company is making some wild claims about what its new electric sports car can do. During a demonstration in Texas, the car drove upside down on a ramp, launched into the air, and landed back on the ground. In another stunt, it flew over a lineup of Tesla cars. Yes, Tesla is actually talking about a car that can fly.
The company says these tricks are possible because of a combination of a suction system and cold-gas thrusters. And unlike a concept car that exists only to grab attention at an auto show, Tesla says it plans to offer this technology on the production Roadster through optional performance packages.
However, there is still a lot we don’t know about the car. Tesla has not announced its price, and it remains to be seen how much of what we saw during the demonstration will make it into customer vehicles.
The new Roadster uses a multi-channel suction system that pulls air from underneath the car. Tesla says this creates enough suction to hold the vehicle upside down, even when it is not moving. This explains how the car can stay attached to an inverted ramp without relying on speed alone.
The more interesting part is the thruster system. Tesla says the Roadster uses cold-gas thrusters mounted around the car to generate forward and upward movement. These thrusters can also help the vehicle move sideways and rotate in the air. Electric actuators make rapid adjustments to help control its movement.
Tesla has also mentioned rear-mounted thrusters that help the car accelerate. The company claims the Roadster can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than a second. Its claimed top speed exceeds 230 mph, while the estimated range stands at 300 miles per charge.
Those numbers sound impressive, but they need to be taken with some caution. Tesla has not shared independent test results to verify these claims. It has also not explained how the thrusters will work in everyday driving or what limitations owners should expect.
The system uses Carbon Fiber Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) to store pressurized gas. Tesla says the car has motorized vents at the rear and sides that adjust when maximum performance is needed. The overall design takes inspiration from aircraft such as the SR-71 and F-35.
Not every version of the Roadster will get the same setup. Tesla has listed different configurations and optional performance packages for the car.
The standard configuration accommodates two occupants and includes features such as dynamic aerodynamics and a multi-channel suction system. The Thrust package is a limited-release option that adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters while retaining two seats.
Then there is the Rocket package, which is available by invitation. It changes the layout to a single seat and adds thrusters around the vehicle. Tesla says this setup enables movement in multiple directions, including upward movement and rotation.
This is the version that promises the most unusual capabilities. But Tesla still needs to explain exactly how the system will operate in the production car and which features will be available to customers.
The Roadster also gets a gold-glazed glass roof inspired by astronaut helmet visors. Tesla has shown the car in an Ano White finish, which the company claims offers ultraviolet and cryogenic protection, along with corrosion resistance.
Tesla has started accepting reservations for the new Roadster, but the company has not announced its final price. There are also unanswered questions about production and deliveries.
The biggest challenge will be turning these demonstrations into a practical production car. Making an electric car accelerate quickly is one thing. Building a vehicle that can safely use thrusters to launch into the air is a completely different challenge. Tesla will need to explain how it plans to handle safety, control, and the practical limits of this technology.
Still, the idea is interesting. Most electric carmakers are busy improving range, charging speeds, and driver assistance features. Tesla is talking about a car that can do all the usual sports car things while also launching itself into the air.
Whether the flying features work as promised remains to be seen. For now, the new Roadster looks like one of Tesla’s most ambitious projects, but the company still has to prove that these demonstrations can become a production reality.
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