Tesla Revives Classic Stunt Tech for New Roadster Amid Bold Performance Claims

Image: Ars Technica · Source

Tesla is revisiting decades-old stunt technology with compressed nitrogen jets to create a show-stopping new Roadster featuring extreme performance goals and unique design elements, as CEO Elon Musk aims for a 2028 production despite past delays and growing competition.

Tesla is making a renewed effort to launch its new Roadster, incorporating 50-year-old stunt technology to produce dramatic in-air car spins using jets of compressed nitrogen gas. This marks the latest attempt since the Roadster's initial revival announcement nine years ago, blending automotive innovation with theatrical showmanship reminiscent of Hollywood stunt work.

The design of the updated Roadster appears inspired by classic car icons such as the Lotus Esprit and Lamborghini Gallardo, featuring striking angular wedge shapes and four large rear exhausts. However, rather than traditional exhaust emissions, these outlets discharge nitrogen gas at extremely high pressures (100,000 psi), a technique adapted from stunt shows to enable spectacular airborne flips and spins.

In a notable departure from Tesla's recent all-wheel-drive approach, this Roadster retains rear-wheel drive. It will be powered by an in-house developed battery pack using the company's much-discussed 4680 cells, reportedly employing a new battery chemistry tailored to this model to address earlier performance concerns.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has set ambitious targets for the vehicle's capabilities, claiming a top speed of 383 mph and an acceleration of 0-60 mph in just 0.8 seconds. Despite these bold figures, other electric hypercars like the McMurtry Spéirling currently outperform Tesla's projections, boasting higher lateral G-force limits and the ability to drive upside down, feats backed by competitive track records.

Despite Musk's promise of Roadster production by 2028, Tesla's history of overpromising and delayed deliveries tempers expectations. Previous Roadster preorders and referral reward vehicles have not materialized, and the market for extremely fast, expensive electric vehicles remains niche, as buyers often seek sensory engagement that EVs struggle to provide.

Tesla faces additional challenges as competitors, particularly from Europe and China, offer a growing array of EV models that have eroded Tesla's once dominant market position. The company’s core product lines—Models 3 and Y—are aging, and its innovation pace lags behind nimble rivals. Furthermore, Tesla's profitability is under pressure due to rising costs and pricing shifts.

Musk’s focus appears to be shifting away from Tesla as a traditional car manufacturer toward integrating it with his space exploration venture, SpaceX. A potential merger could leverage synergies linked to artificial intelligence and provide SpaceX access to capital through inclusion in the S&P 500 index, although this would not directly impact Tesla's Roadster project.

While the new Roadster aims to combine cutting-edge electric performance with theatrical stunt flair, its realization remains uncertain amid these complex business dynamics and a fiercely competitive EV landscape.

▶ Tesla turns to 50-year-old stunt technology as it tries to Roadster again — Watch video ↗