Tesla has revealed its redesigned second-generation Roadster, featuring SpaceX-inspired thrusters and demonstrations of airborne manoeuvres, as CEO Elon Musk announced plans to begin building the long-delayed electric sports car in 2028.
The vehicle was showcased at an event outside Waco, Texas, where it used high-powered fans and thrusters to perform stunts, including moving up an inverted ramp, spinning and landing on the pavement. Tesla also demonstrated the car lifting over several vehicles, including the Cybertruck, Cybercab, Tesla Semi, Model Y and Model 3.
Musk said the production vehicle would be capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 1 second. However, the company has yet to announce an official price or confirm a final delivery schedule.
Tesla plans to offer the Roadster in 3 variants. The Performance edition is designed for road use and features active aerodynamics and a system intended to improve performance on and off the track. The Thrust version is built for racing and includes rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, while the top-end Rocket edition is designed for a single occupant and features 10 cold-gas thrusters positioned around the vehicle.
All 3 variants are expected to offer a range of 300 miles and speeds exceeding 230 miles per hour.
Tesla’s website listed reservations at $50,000 for the Performance variant and $250,000 for Thrust, while the Rocket edition is available by invitation only.
According to Tesla engineering vice president Lars Moravy, the car uses 10 thrusters connected to 600 litres of compressed air to lift and rotate in midair. The air tank can be recharged. The company also said the vehicle uses carbon-fibre-overwrapped pressure vessels to store compressed gas.
Musk suggested that Tesla could attempt a jump across Snake River Canyon, a location associated with stunt performer Evel Knievel’s famous failed crossing attempt.
The Roadster features a sharper, more angular design inspired by aircraft such as the SR-71 reconnaissance plane and the F-35 fighter jet. Musk described the vehicle as the result of close collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers.
The project has faced repeated delays since its unveiling in 2017. Originally expected to arrive within a few years, the Roadster was postponed several times as Tesla prioritised other vehicles and production challenges. Musk first proposed adding rocket thrusters in 2018, but the company continued pushing back the launch.
The latest reveal has also drawn scepticism from some observers, including YouTuber Marques Brownlee, who questioned the claims about the car’s performance and its planned 2028 arrival.
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