Only One Version of the Tesla Roadster Will Be Able to Jump: It's Available by Invite Only
The top-tier Rocket trim is the sole variant equipped with all 10 thrusters needed for mid-air acrobatics, while the Thrust model has limited availability.
Tesla’s newly revealed 2028 Roadster lineup features distinct tiers of performance hardware, with only the top-trim Rocket version capable of the dramatic jumps and barrel rolls showcased during the reveal event. According to the reservation site, this high-flying capability is restricted to an invite-only tier, while other versions offer varying levels of acceleration and downforce technology.
What Happened
During the Thursday reveal, Tesla demonstrated the Rocket version of the Roadster performing a mid-air barrel roll, leaping over a semi-truck, and accelerating from 0-60 mph in 0.81 seconds. These stunts are enabled by a full suite of 10 thrusters, which Elon Musk stated will recharge themselves using compressors. The reservation site explicitly lists this Rocket version as "invite only," making it the exclusive model to feature the complete thruster array required for such aerial maneuvers.
Why It Matters
For buyers, the Roadster is split into three tiers with significantly different capabilities and availability constraints. The "Thrust" version includes rear-facing boosters and is listed as having "Limited" availability; Musk claims this model may achieve 0-60 mph times faster than the demonstration, though it lacks the full thruster set for jumping. The majority of Roadsters will be the base "Performance" trim, which does not include thrusters but does benefit from a fan-powered suction system generating 2Gs of downforce. Notably, Tesla has not disclosed prices for any of the three versions, leaving customers to reserve with a $50,000 deposit—$5,000 immediately and $45,000 within 10 days—without knowing the final cost. Additionally, the street legality of the thruster-equipped models remains an open question, as the noise and dynamics of supersonic gas expulsion may not meet regulatory standards for public roads.
The Bottom Line
Tesla’s 2028 Roadster is scheduled for a launch that remains subject to historical delays, with the company still taking reservations for a vehicle that was previously promised years ago. While the base Performance trim offers significant downforce, the ability to jump and barrel roll is strictly reserved for the invite-only Rocket version, and the mid-tier Thrust model is limited in availability. With no pricing announced and significant regulatory uncertainties surrounding the thruster systems, the most extreme capabilities of the Roadster remain exclusive and potentially restricted to off-road or track use.
