Tesla Debuts New Roadster—And It Actually Flies
Nine years after the original concept—and following numerous delays and unfulfilled promises—Tesla and CEO Elon Musk finally unveiled the second-generation Roadster on Thursday evening. The reveal took place during a special event at the SpaceX testing facility in Texas.
“This will be the last Tesla car driven by a human,” Musk told the audience at the start of the presentation. He added that while its “success is not guaranteed,” the excitement it generates certainly is.
Taking the form of a sleek two-seater coupe with aerospace-inspired lines, the Roadster features butterfly doors and a massive automatic rear wing designed to deploy based on downforce requirements. The vehicle utilizes a multi-mode underbody suction fan system capable of generating 2 Gs of force in corners. Similar to the McMurtry Spéirling, this system glues the car to the ground—even upside down.
The production version, dubbed the Performance model, can be upgraded in two ways. The first is the “Thrust” option, which adds cold-air thrusters derived from SpaceX technology. Tesla demonstrated that these allow the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than one second.
The second option, “Rocket,” is aptly named. In a demonstration that sparked jubilation among the crowd of Tesla enthusiasts, the car literally took flight, performed mid-air spins, and landed under full control thanks to additional thrusters.
“It will shatter every track record in existence around the world,” Tesla claimed. However, the company stopped short of providing details on range, horsepower, drivetrain configuration, battery capacity, or other vital specifications.
The design features hidden headlights, a full-width taillight, and ultra-lightweight thin-spoke wheels. Tesla claims the “Ano White” paint is inspired by aerospace techniques, providing cryogenic and UV protection for exposure to the rigors of space. The tinted windows are designed to mimic the copper coating that gives space suit visors their golden sheen.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by white with grey microsuede accents. The seats feature aggressive microsuede side bolsters for better grip. The minimalist dashboard consists only of a large central touchscreen and a rectangular steering yoke reminiscent of futuristic concept cars.
According to Elon Musk, the new Roadster will be manufactured in Texas starting in 2028. However, questions remain regarding safety certifications and driver requirements. Tesla has already issued a disclaimer stating that the vehicle is “not approved for use on public roads” and “may not be available in all regions.”
Reservations are currently open with an initial refundable deposit of $7,000 via credit card, followed by a required $63,000 wire transfer within 10 days. The final price could easily exceed $200,000. Tesla notes that reservations are not finalized until the wire transfer is received.
Arabic version | French version
