Tesla Demonstrates Roadster Flight and 0.81-Second Sprint, Promises 2028 Production
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Oct 16
Tesla Demonstrates Roadster Flight and 0.81-Second Sprint, Promises 2028 Production
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Oct 16
Summary
Waco, Texas, saw Tesla put its next-generation Roadster through a stunt-heavy demo: the EV briefly flew, drove upside down on a vertical ramp and hit 60 mph in 0.81 seconds.
SpaceX-derived hardware powers the maneuvers — a fan-based suction system generating up to 2 Gs of downforce, plus 10 compressed-air nozzles fed by two tanks holding about 250 kilograms of air.
Elon Musk said the two-seat Roadster will enter production in 2028, but Tesla gave no price, trims or release details at the event after nearly nine years of delays since the model's 2017 debut.
Any roadgoing version would still face major FAA and NHTSA scrutiny, underscoring doubts that the full flying configuration will reach ordinary buyers even as Tesla says it will be a real street car.