Tesla has unveiled its long-awaited next-generation Roadster model. The vehicle, showcased by Elon Musk at an event held near Waco, Texas, stood out with its flight-assisted structure that goes beyond being a classic electric hypercar.
The system, which the company announced was developed with SpaceX engineering, relies on a combination of high-power fans and cold gas thrusters. During the demonstration, the Roadster was shown rising from an inverted ramp, maneuvering in the air, and landing on the ground in a controlled manner.
FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION AND PERFORMANCE CLAIMS
According to information shared by Tesla, the vehicle's flight and maneuvering capability is provided by a refillable system carrying a total of 600 liters of compressed air. It was also stated that the Roadster jumped over models such as the Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3 during the event with the help of its thrusters.
The special vacuum fan system located under the vehicle aims to provide 2G of lateral grip in corners by pulling the body toward the road. While Musk stated that the Roadster would be ambitious in track performance, he claimed it could accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in approximately 0.81 seconds with its 10 SpaceX-supported cold gas thrusters.
PACKAGES, RESERVATION, AND DESIGN
The new Roadster is planned to be offered for sale with three different equipment packages. While the two-seater Performance package comes with active aerodynamic elements and a multi-mode suction system, the Thrust package will offer the sub-1-second acceleration target with a two-seater layout using the cold gas thrusters in the rear section.
The Rocket package, positioned at the top of the series, is described as “flight-ready.” This version, which has a single-seat layout, will feature 10 cold gas thrusters distributed around the vehicle, and it is stated that the model will only be available for purchase by invitation.
Tesla announced that it is targeting a range of approximately 482 kilometers and a top speed of approximately 400 km/h for all packages. The exact retail price has not yet been announced, but the company has begun taking reservations. A deposit of 50 thousand dollars is requested for the Performance version, and 250 thousand dollars for the Thrust version. Musk pointed to 2028 for mass production.
In the exterior design, a more angular and sharper line was preferred compared to the first concept shown in 2017. Tesla states that the new design language is inspired by the SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft and the F-35 fighter jet; the voids in the vehicle's body are filled with carbon-fiber-wrapped high-pressure air tanks.
It was also emphasized that at a time when Tesla is focusing on autonomous driving, the Roadster will be the only Tesla model that will be manually driven by the driver in the long term. While Musk described the model as “the last and best car driven by a human,” he warned users who prioritize safety, saying, “If your primary goal is safety, do not buy this car.”
News Source: 12punto
