Tesla shows Roadster prototype that uses SpaceX thrusters for short aerial maneuvers

Tesla displayed a second-generation Roadster prototype on October 15 at SpaceX's rocket test site in McGregor, Texas. The vehicle used a combination of underbody fans for suction and cold-gas thrusters supplied by SpaceX to perform short aerial maneuvers that included driving upside down on a curved ramp, flipping in the air and landing under control.

Lars Moravy, Tesla's vice president of vehicle engineering, said the suction system can generate up to 2 Gs of downforce. The Rocket trim, which seats one person, carries ten thrusters positioned around the body and is described as air-ready. The Performance trim is road-ready with the suction system but no thrusters. The Thrust trim adds rear thrusters for acceleration. All versions are rated for more than 300 miles of range and top speeds above 230 mph. Tesla claimed a 0-to-60 mph time under one second with thrusters engaged; one demonstration recorded 0.81 seconds.

Musk said production is planned for 2028. Reservations are open: $50,000 for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version. The Rocket version is invite-only. No final purchase prices were announced. The original next-generation Roadster was first shown in 2017; deposits of $50,000 and $250,000 were taken then, and the project has been delayed repeatedly.

The demonstration included the car climbing a half-loop ramp, launching off the end, performing a barrel roll and landing, then jumping over a line of other Tesla vehicles. Musk described the result as the product of collaboration between the car company and the rocket company. He noted that the flying features are not approved for public roads and that regulatory hurdles remain. The prototype was operated remotely during the event.

The vehicle remains a high-priced sports car whose volume will be limited even if production begins on schedule. Its immediate technical interest lies in the integration of cold-gas thrusters and active suction into a production-intent chassis, and in the measurable acceleration figures Tesla published. Whether any version reaches customers in 2028 will depend on engineering validation, safety certification and the company's capital allocation between robotics, autonomy and conventional vehicles.