During a live event at SpaceX's Texas facility, Tesla demonstrated a new Roadster equipped with 10 SpaceX cold-gas thrusters, performing stunts including a barrel roll and hovering upside-down. The production model is expected in 2028, with a rocket-powered version likely limited to wealthy collectors.
01Summary
- 01Elon Musk revealed the new Roadster on October 16 at SpaceX's testing site in McGregor, Texas.
- 02The car features 10 cold-gas thrusters fed by 600 litres (250 kg) of compressed air in carbon fibre pressure vessels.
- 03Stunts included driving upside-down using a suction system, a barrel roll, and leaping over six vehicles.
- 04The original cherry-red Roadster launched into orbit in February 2018 aboard the first Falcon Heavy flight still orbits the Sun.
- 05Tesla plans to start production of the Roadster in 2028, with 'Performance' and 'Thrust' versions priced from $50,000 to $250,000 for reservations.
02Why it matters
This marks a dramatic convergence of automotive and space technology, but the rocket-enhanced version will likely be a rare collector's item due to regulatory hurdles. The event revives interest in Tesla's long-delayed flagship hypercar.
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