Tesla demonstrates next-generation Roadster with cold-gas thrusters in Texas
Elon Musk unveiled a redesigned Roadster at a SpaceX facility that used suction fans and thrusters to drive upside down, flip in the air, and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under a second.
Waco, Texas2 min read
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Tesla demonstrated a redesigned second-generation Roadster on 15 October 2026 at a SpaceX testing facility near Waco, Texas. The white two-seater used a combination of high-powered suction fans underneath the vehicle and cold-gas thrusters to drive up a multi-story ramp while inverted, launch off the top, flip in the air, and land.
During the short event, the car also used the thrusters to jump over a line of other Tesla vehicles including a Cybertruck, Semi, Model Y and Model 3. Tesla executives said the vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under one second in a demonstration run. Vehicle engineering head Lars Moravy described one maneuver as a "kick flip."
The car features three variants. The Performance model is described as road-ready with a multi-mode suction system. The Thrust variant adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters. The Rocket version, listed as invite-only, adds a full flight system with 10 nozzles and seats one person. All three are projected to have more than 300 miles of range and a top speed exceeding 230 mph. Production is targeted for 2028.
Musk said the vehicle results from collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX. He noted that success was not guaranteed during the live demonstration and that the car is "not necessarily a safety-optimized car." No full pricing was announced. Reservations are open, with a $50,000 deposit for the Performance model and higher amounts for Thrust.
The original Roadster concept was shown in 2017. Deposits have been held for years. Range estimates were reduced from earlier claims of 600 miles. The demonstration used compressed air tanks that can be refilled without traditional rocket fuel.
The event lasted less than 30 minutes and focused on the physical stunts rather than commercial details. Musk has previously promised the vehicle would enter production on timelines that have shifted repeatedly.
Tesla has not released independent verification of the acceleration claim or full technical specifications for the thruster system. The suction fan system is described as generating up to two Gs of force.
