The new Tesla Roadster is unveiled, an electric sports car capable of flying thanks to its 10 rocket thrusters
Nine years after the first prototype was unveiled, Tesla revealed the second-generation Roadster last Thursday night. The new flagship vehicle from the American company has been completely redesigned: its angular design bears little resemblance to that of the red model from nearly a decade ago, whose organic curves have given way to a style inspired by the more straight-lined Cybertruck and Cybercab.
During the unveiling event, Tesla demonstrated several features of the car’s most striking capability: using ten cold gas thrusters similar to those in SpaceX rockets, the vehicle can levitate and perform acrobatic maneuvers; for example, after completing a loop using a suction system (which we will discuss later), it “dropped” upside down, spun around in midair, and landed on all four wheels.
It also “jumped” over the rest of the model lineup (Cybercab, Cybertruck, Semi, Model Y, and Model 3). This technology is the result of a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX. It will be available as part of a special (Rocket) edition that can only be accessed by invitation. Will it be approved for road use? Probably not.
The Roadster lineup will consist of three versions: Performance (the standard version), Thrust (a limited edition with cold gas thrusters at the rear), and Rocket. While the first two are two-seater (the 2017 Roadster had four seats), the third will have only one seat. They will be able to reach 0-60 mph in less than 1.6 seconds, less than 0.9 seconds, and less than 0.59 seconds respectively.
The Tesla Roadster will have a range of over 483 km
The top speed will exceed 370 km/h in the Rocket version, while the range will surpass 483 km (under the U.S. EPA homologation cycle). Details such as the mechanical configuration, battery capacity, or charging times have not been revealed, leaving all the focus on the cold gas thrusters.
All versions feature a multi-mode, floor-sealed ventilation system that acts as an aerodynamic downforce generator by drawing air from beneath the vehicle. According to Tesla, this creates such a suction force that it can keep the car upside down even when stationary. Electric fans and active spoilers are designed to maximize traction and speed in corners.
The address is electronic and is connected to a steering yoke. Tesla claims to have used magnesium, titanium, and carbon fiber to reduce the vehicle’s weight. The cabin features a large screen in the center. It is set to hit the market in 2028 (provided Tesla meets its deadlines, something it failed to do with the Roadster in 2017). Pre-orders are now available with a deposit of 50,000 euros.
Source | Tesla