Tesla has unveiled its redesigned second-generation Roadster, which uses SpaceX-developed thrusters, at a live event at SpaceX's McGregor, Texas, test site. CEO Elon Musk said the car would enter production in 2028.
The event took place at SpaceX's 4,000-acre rocket test and development center and opened with a Raptor engine static fire. Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy hosted, and Musk joined them on stage.
Von Holzhausen framed the Roadster as proof, 20 years ago, that electric cars could be fun to drive and go the distance.
Tesla describes the all-electric sports car as having record-setting acceleration, range and performance. The features and specifications shown apply to the Thrust augment only, which is sold as an optional upgrade rather than standard equipment. Some features are available only with the Rocket trim, which Tesla says is not offered in all regions.
Musk cautioned the audience before the first run that "success is not guaranteed". He added that the crowd was at a safe distance. After the car flew, he said: "Flying cars are real."
The demonstration car was technically autonomous for the show, Musk said, to avoid risk to anyone. He added that, long term, the Roadster would be the only manually driven car Tesla makes.
The Hardware
Moravy said the car carries two carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels holding a combined 600 litres, or about 250 kilograms, of air. That air feeds 10 nozzles. The tank can be recharged by the car itself, so no special propellant is needed. He said the four rear thrusters expel exhaust faster than the speed of sound, producing visible Mach diamonds and more than 80 kilonewtons of thrust.
A fan suction system under the car can pull up to 2G, which holds the car to the ramp when upside down. Von Holzhausen said the same system is meant to improve track performance, allowing cornering above 2G against the roughly 1.6G that tyres typically allow. It has a high-downforce mode and a low-drag mode, and the rear wing adjusts its pitch automatically.
Design
Von Holzhausen said the team took inspiration from aerospace, citing the SR-71 spy plane. The Roadster is a two-seater with seats moulded into the chassis. It has steer-by-wire controls for steering, braking and throttle, with a yoke in place of a wheel. The team's goal, he said, was to "break the laws of physics".
In a test on the pad, the car reached 60 mph in 0.81 seconds. The team said the space was limited and that the production car would do better. Tesla called it the world's quickest production car from 0 to 60 mph and said it would cover a half mile in the time other cars take for a quarter mile. The company said top speed is above 230 mph, while Musk said the target was at least Mach 0.5. He also floated a follow-on demonstration inspired by Evel Knievel's attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon.
After nearly nine years of delays, the second-generation electric sports car has been shown to the public, though its cost, specifications and road legality remain unsettled.
Tesla bills the Roadster as the quickest vehicle in the world, but the claim comes with conditions for buyers in India. The figures on its India page reflect only an optional upgrade, and the car is offered in left-hand drive alone.
Tesla has not given the price or release schedule.