American automaker Tesla, founded and led by billionaire Elon Musk, has unveiled a new generation of its electric Roadster sports car. The presentation took place at SpaceX’s test facility in Texas and was streamed online.
Musk had built anticipation ahead of the event, calling it one of the most spectacular demonstrations in history. According to him, the presentation was meant to convince viewers that what they were seeing was neither artificial intelligence nor computer-generated special effects.
This is the result of cooperation between the best car company in the world and the best rocket company in the world, the entrepreneur said, referring to the joint work of Tesla and SpaceX.
The highlight of the presentation was a demonstration of the new Roadster’s capabilities. The car drove up a curved ramp, flipped in the air, and landed in a controlled manner. It then jumped over other Tesla vehicles, including the electric Tesla Semi truck, and performed several additional stunts. Video footage also showed the sports car accelerating from 0 to 60 mph, or 96.6 km/h, in 0.81 seconds. That is significantly faster than figures previously announced for Tesla’s road-going vehicles.
To perform the aerial maneuvers, engineers used technology developed together with SpaceX specialists. The system includes thrusters and compressed-gas tanks that generate thrust and help control the car during short jumps and flips. During the presentation, company representatives described a system with 10 thrusters and a 600-liter compressed-air tank.
However, the demonstrated capabilities do not mean that the Roadster will be able to fly long distances like an airplane or a full-fledged flying car. The presentation showed brief aerial maneuvers rather than sustained controlled flight. In addition, the special version equipped with an air-thrust system is not intended for regular use on public roads.
Three Tesla Roadster versions: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket
Tesla has prepared three versions of the new sports car, each designed for different purposes and offering different technical capabilities. The base Performance version is intended for public roads. It is a two-seat electric sports car with active aerodynamics and a system that generates downforce by creating low air pressure. The technology is designed to help the car maintain grip and stability at high speeds.
The Thrust version is intended for racetrack use. It will receive additional compressed-gas thrusters and a more advanced aerodynamic system. According to Tesla, this version is designed to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than one second. The car is configured for two occupants.
The most unusual version is called Rocket. It features the full air-thrust system, allowing the Roadster to lift off the ground and perform dramatic aerial maneuvers. This version is designed for only one person and is not certified for use on public roads.
The Rocket version cannot be ordered through the standard reservation process: access will be available by special invitation only. This means availability of the most unusual version will be highly limited. According to information published after the presentation, all three versions are expected to offer a range of about 300 miles, or 483 km, and a top speed of more than 230 mph, or approximately 370 km/h. However, the actual specifications of the production vehicles have yet to be confirmed.
How much will the Tesla Roadster cost, and when will sales begin?
Tesla has already opened reservations for the new Roadster. However, placing a reservation does not mean the vehicle will be delivered anytime soon: series production is not expected to begin before 2028.
According to information released after the presentation, reserving the Performance version requires a $50,000 deposit, while the Thrust version requires $250,000. These are reservation amounts, not confirmed full purchase prices. Separate purchase terms for the Rocket version will be determined through the special invitation system. Final prices for all versions, delivery schedules, and availability in different countries still require clarification. Tesla has not yet published a final delivery timetable guaranteeing that buyers will receive their vehicles by a specific date.
The story of the new Roadster began long before the current presentation. The first-generation Roadster was Tesla’s first production model: it debuted in 2008, and production ended in 2012. The company later decided to revive the Roadster name for a new premium electric sports car. The second generation was first announced in 2017. Originally, the car was expected to arrive much earlier, but its launch date was postponed several times. The October 2026 presentation marked another major milestone for the project, but Tesla still has to complete development and prepare for production before the car reaches the market.
Buyers should therefore distinguish between a dramatic prototype demonstration, announced technical specifications, and the capabilities of the final production vehicle. Performance figures, equipment, and delivery schedules may still change before production begins.
Why Tesla is bringing back the Roadster
The new Roadster is intended to become Tesla’s flagship vehicle — a model designed to showcase the company’s most advanced engineering capabilities. Unlike mass-market electric vehicles, the sports car is focused primarily on extreme performance, the premium segment, and technological experimentation.
The project also highlights Tesla’s cooperation with SpaceX, which specializes in rocket technology. The use of compressed-gas systems in a car demonstrates how engineering solutions from the aerospace industry can be applied to experimental vehicles. At the same time, this technology does not yet turn the Roadster into a full-fledged flying car for everyday transportation.
Tesla’s leadership has also positioned the model as a kind of tribute to manually driven cars at a time when the company is placing increasing emphasis on autonomous driving and robotaxis. The Roadster is intended to show that high-performance electric cars can still remain an important part of Tesla’s strategy.
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Photos: forbes.ru
