Tesla Reveals Next-Gen Roadster With Flying Capabilities and Three Performance Tiers

Tesla unveiled the next generation Roadster on Thursday night in a demonstration that blended automotive engineering with aerospace technology, showcasing a vehicle capable of flight and extreme acceleration.

What Happened

During an event outside Waco, Texas, near SpaceX’s McGregor site, the new Roadster utilized a combination of fans and cold gas thrusters to drive up a curved ramp, flip upside down, and fly before landing. Elon Musk described the maneuver as a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers, stating that the car could "puff itself up" to perform these stunts. Tesla released updated specifications for three distinct configurations: the Performance version, which seats two and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 1.6 seconds; the Thrust version, also seating two, which adds rear-mounted cold gas thrusters for a 0 to 60 mph time of under 0.9 seconds; and the Rocket version, which seats one and uses perimeter-mounted thrusters for forward, upward, and lateral movement, achieving a 0 to 60 mph time of under 0.59 seconds. The Rocket configuration also boasts a top speed of more than 230 mph and a range of more than 300 miles.

Why It Matters

The introduction of cold gas thrusters addresses the primary limitation of ground vehicles: tire grip. Tesla notes that the thruster system generates four to five times the force tires can provide, allowing for acceleration figures that defy conventional physics. The Roadster’s technical architecture includes a multi-mode fan and ground sealing system capable of holding the car upside down while stationary, active aerodynamics, and steer-by-wire controls. While the vehicle is designed with high-performance materials like magnesium, titanium, and carbon fiber, Musk characterized the Roadster as a halo product and "the best of the last of the human-driven cars," explicitly warning that it is not recommended for buyers whose top priority is safety. Currently, the car is not approved for public road use, and the Rocket configuration is restricted by region.

The Bottom Line

Tesla has reopened $50,000 reservations for the Roadster, with production planned for Giga Texas in 2027 or 2028. The lineup is tiered by availability: the Performance model is open to reservations, the Thrust model is a limited release, and the Rocket model is invite-only.