Tesla has finally revealed the second-generation Roadster, nearly nine years after its initial unveiling. The car’s reveal was delayed several times, including a recent delay from its original October 1st date.
The Roadster features a cold gas booster-assisted system, which was showcased in a series of demos. One demo showed the car driving up a vertical ramp and stopping upside-down, before returning to its starting point and performing a backflip.
In another demo, the Roadster used its booster system to launch over a row of five Tesla models, completing a barrel roll in mid-air before landing level. The system uses ten nozzles of compressed air, supported by an air tank that can be replenished by the car itself.
A third demo showed the Roadster performing a side flip from a standstill, using the same booster system. CEO Elon Musk noted that the Roadster is “long term, the only manually-driven car that Tesla makes.”
The Roadster’s design has undergone significant changes since its initial unveiling in 2017, shifting from a round shape to an angular wedge look reminiscent of the Cybertruck and Cybercab models. The car’s fan system, which allows it to drive up a ramp, could potentially produce significant downforce and contribute to its on-road performance.
The Roadster’s performance claims are impressive, with a demo showing the car reaching 60 MPH in 0.81 seconds. The claimed top speed is over 230 MPH, with Musk stating that the goal is to reach “Mach .5, maybe a little higher,” or approximately 383 miles per hour.
Musk announced that the Roadster will enter production in 2028. Tesla‘s website lists two “augments” for the Roadster, including a “thrust” package with rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters and a “rocket” package that is “not approved for public road use.” Pricing for the Roadster was not mentioned during the presentation.
The Roadster’s unique features and impressive performance claims make it a significant addition to Tesla’s lineup. With its production scheduled for 2028, the Roadster is likely to generate significant interest among car enthusiasts and fans of the brand. They are eager to see the final product and how it will perform on the road.
