Tesla Roadster Unveils Airborne Capabilities with SpaceX Collaboration
New electric vehicle demonstrates 0-60mph in 0.81 seconds and rocket-assisted flight ahead of 2028 production target.
Callum Smith
Tesla unveiled a new Roadster capable of airborne movement and extreme acceleration.
The demonstration saw the vehicle achieve 0 to 60mph in a blistering 0.81 seconds. It integrates compressed air from 10 thruster nozzles, alongside a fan system beneath the car's body designed to improve grip.
Production for this new Roadster is slated to begin in 2028. Elon Musk claims this version will be even quicker than the prototype shown.
The vehicle features a steer-by-wire system, chassis-moulded seats, and adaptable aerodynamics. It also includes two high-pressure air tanks that automatically recharge.
Tesla claims the car can achieve cornering forces greater than 2g. The aerodynamic systems adapt to the driver's actions, rather than remaining in a fixed configuration.
These rocket-assisted features are optional and may not be available in every market. The Roadster demonstrated driving upside down on an inverted ramp, utilising its fan systems and rocket boosters.
Lars Moravy stated the car will cover a half-mile in the time other vehicles manage a quarter-mile. Elon Musk posted a video of the vehicle on X.
A reservation for the Roadster requires an initial $5,000 credit-card payment, followed by a $45,000 bank transfer within 10 days. Elon Musk claims the project grew as the teams worked together, though he also stated that success is not guaranteed.
The technology uses cold-gas thrusters for precise thrust and micro-adjustments. Toyota partners with Joby Aviation to design and mass produce electric air taxis.
Elon Musk acknowledged potential legal challenges, stating, "This will be an actual car that's on the roads. I'm not sure it's necessarily legal in all jurisdictions, but there will be such a car that someone can own. So, it's going to be pretty wild that you can have a rocket car."