Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) on Friday unveiled the second-generation Roadster, an electric sports car equipped with a cold-gas propulsion system developed with SpaceX and a fan-based downforce system that the company said can allow brief lift-offs and aerial maneuvers. Tesla called it “the last best driver’s car.”
At a special event at SpaceX’s test site in McGregor, Texas, CEO Elon Musk and his team demonstrated the car. Tesla said the original 2008 Roadster had one goal: to prove electric vehicles could be fast, sexy and desirable. The second-generation model, it said, marks a new moment: the best among the last human-driven cars.
The Roadster first drove onto a C-shaped ramp and stopped midway on the vertical section, hanging upside down. It then climbed the ramp again, launched off the top, flipped in the air, hovered downward using thrusters and landed safely. When the door opened, an Optimus humanoid robot was in the driver’s seat. Tesla said the robot was part of the show and the stunts were pre-programmed.
The central feature is the A71 cold-gas propulsion system, developed jointly by Tesla and SpaceX. It uses multiple high-pressure gas nozzles and does not burn fuel. Tesla said it can assist acceleration in extreme conditions, improve cornering and potentially allow the car to briefly leave the ground. The car also has attitude-control thrusters and a rear main thruster, allowing it to rise like a rocket and roll in the air.
Tesla also developed a fan suction system that pulls the car toward the road. The company said the system significantly increases grip, with lateral acceleration in corners of up to 2g. The ability to hang upside down on the ramp relies on the underbody suction system: multi-mode fans and an underbody sealing system evacuate air beneath the car to create downforce. Tesla said the suction is strong enough to hold the car inverted even when stationary.
Tesla said the Roadster’s cornering capability will feel impossible, “as if it violates the laws of physics.” It aims to set track records and has a development goal of “pushing beyond the performance limits of existing sports cars.” Musk said production would begin in 2028.
The car has active aerodynamics, a multi-mode suction system and cold-gas thrusters. Tesla described it as a “true pilot’s vehicle.” Design details include hidden front headlights, a full-width rear light bar and flat body surfaces. Ultra-light wheels use thin spokes while maintaining structural strength for ground driving. Ano White paint uses aerospace-derived surface treatment for UV resistance, extreme low-temperature resistance, static dissipation and corrosion resistance. Gold Glazed tinted glass mimics the copper coating of spacesuit visors, with titanium accents.
Inside, the Roadster has a white interior with gray microfiber suede trim, seat bolsters for body support, and manual controls and fixed seats to reduce weight. Tesla said the car uses magnesium, titanium and carbon fiber extensively.
The lineup includes three versions. The Performance model is a two-seat road car with active aerodynamics and multi-mode fan suction. The Thrust model is a two-seat track car with multi-mode fan suction and a rear cold-gas thruster, with 0-97 km/h in under 1 second. The Rocket model is a single-seat “flight” version with multi-mode fan suction and cold-gas thrusters around the body, enabling forward and upward acceleration and lateral rotation.
Tesla said range exceeds 483 km. The Rocket version has a top speed of more than 370 km/h. Acceleration from 0-97 km/h is under 1.6 seconds for Performance, under 0.9 seconds for Thrust and under 0.59 seconds for Rocket.
AGIBOT
Figure AI
UBTECH