Tesla Unveils SpaceX-Thruster-Equipped Roadster Capable of Flying Maneuvers

Image: Tesla Roadster-starmanImage Credits:Tesla / · Source

Tesla revealed its redesigned second-gen Roadster featuring SpaceX cold-gas thrusters enabling it to perform flips, fly over other vehicles, and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under a second. Production will begin in 2028 with three trims offered.

Tesla introduced its much-anticipated second-generation Roadster at an event near Waco, Texas, showcasing a groundbreaking vehicle equipped with multiple SpaceX cold-gas thrusters. CEO Elon Musk described it as “the best of the last of the human-driven cars,” highlighting its ability to execute dramatic midair maneuvers. The demonstration involved the Roadster using a combination of high-powered fans and ten compressed-air thrusters to drive up a ramp inverted, spin in midair, and land smoothly. It even lifted itself over various Tesla vehicles, including the Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3—all while in motion.

The car reportedly accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about one second. Musk emphasized that these maneuvers could be activated at will, positioning the vehicle as a halo model rather than a mass-market car. Production is slated for 2028, with Tesla offering three trims: the two-seat Performance trim featuring active aerodynamics and a “multi-mode suction system,” the race-ready Thrust trim with rear-mounted thrusters enabling sub-second acceleration, and the single-seat Rocket trim boasting ten cold-gas thrusters for full aerial capability. All trims promise a 300-mile range and speeds exceeding 230 mph.

Reservations are open, priced at $50,000 for Performance, $250,000 for Thrust, and the air-capable Rocket trim will be available by invitation only. The thrusters use 600 liters of compressed air stored in carbon fiber overwrapped pressure vessels, which fill every usable void in the car’s structure.

Tesla’s design for the Roadster draws inspiration from advanced military aircraft such as the SR-71 Blackbird and F-35 fighter jet, adopting a sharp, angular aesthetic reminiscent of high-performance sports cars and the iconic Lotus Esprit seen in James Bond films. Musk hinted at ambitious stunts like jumping the Snake River Canyon, referencing Evel Knievel’s historic rocket jump.

The Roadster project has experienced numerous delays since its initial 2017 reveal, with Musk repeatedly pushing back delivery dates amid Tesla’s focus on other high-volume models. Despite skepticism from some high-profile tech figures and enthusiasts, Tesla demonstrated the car’s unique capabilities with a high-flying performance. Musk admitted the vehicle targets enthusiasts prioritizing performance over safety, likening it to supercars like Ferrari where safety is not the foremost consideration.

This new Roadster embodiment marks a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers to blend automotive and rocket technologies, resulting in a car capable of stunts not seen before in consumer vehicles. Tesla characterizes it as beyond any cinematic or fictional spy car, bringing to life Musk’s vision of a “rocket-powered” sports car.