Tesla Unveils Thruster-Equipped Roadster, 2028 Production Targeted
Tesla has unveiled its second-generation Roadster, featuring cold-gas thrusters co-developed with SpaceX, enabling it to jump and flip. The electric sports car demonstrated 0-60mph in an astonishing 0.81 seconds, with production targeted for 2028. This highly anticipated reveal also serves as a key recruitment tool for Tesla's ambitious AI and robotics initiatives.
Tesla officially unveiled its highly anticipated second-generation Roadster on October 15, 2026, at a SpaceX test facility in McGregor, Texas. The reveal showcased a dramatically re-engineered two-seat electric sports car featuring cold-gas thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX engineers, enabling the vehicle to perform aerial maneuvers like jumping and flipping. Production for this groundbreaking vehicle is now slated for 2028, a significant update from its original 2020 target.
The demonstration event, livestreamed globally, highlighted the Roadster's extraordinary capabilities. In one segment, the car ascended a curved ramp, using suction fans to maintain adhesion as it inverted. Subsequently, thrusters propelled it off the ramp, executing a flip mid-air before a controlled landing. Another impressive display involved the Roadster leaping over a line of other Tesla vehicles, including a Semi truck, underscoring its novel mobility.
According to Lars Moravy, Tesla’s vice president of vehicle engineering, the system comprises ten thrusters connected to 600 litres of compressed air, which can be refilled. These thrusters are integral to the car's ability to lift and spin, fundamentally redefining performance in an electric vehicle. This partnership with SpaceX, Elon Musk's aerospace company, signals a deep integration of cutting-edge propulsion technology into automotive design.
Unprecedented Acceleration and Models
The Roadster’s performance metrics are equally astonishing. Tesla showcased a recorded test demonstrating the car accelerating from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in an astounding 0.81 seconds. While this figure awaits independent verification, it significantly surpasses Tesla’s initial 2017 promise of 1.9 seconds, setting a new benchmark for automotive acceleration.
Three distinct versions of the Roadster are planned. The standard Performance model is reported to achieve 0-97 km/h in under 1.6 seconds. The Thrust model, which incorporates the rear thrusters, promises to hit the 97 km/h mark in under a second. At the pinnacle, an invite-only, single-seat Rocket version is listed with an acceleration of under 0.59 seconds to 97 km/h and a top speed exceeding 370 km/h (230 mph), positioning it as one of the fastest production vehicles ever conceived.
Reservations, Delays, and Legal Nuances
Tesla has not yet announced final pricing for the various Roadster configurations but is currently accepting reservations. The Performance model requires a $50,000 deposit, while the Thrust model commands a $250,000 reservation fee. This deposit structure mirrors the one previously established by the company. The confirmation of a 2028 production start follows numerous delays for the Roadster, which was first unveiled nine years ago and initially slated for 2020. Even the recent reveal event itself was rescheduled from its original October 1 date due to adverse weather conditions.
The legality of driving such an advanced vehicle on public roads remains a point of discussion. When questioned, Elon Musk suggested it “depends on your street,” as reported by Business Insider. However, Tesla's official Roadster page explicitly states that the extreme Rocket version is not approved for public road use, indicating that some configurations might be restricted to private tracks or specialized environments.
Beyond the Road: A Recruitment Strategy
Beyond the revolutionary product itself, analysts like Business Insider suggest the Roadster's high-profile unveiling serves a strategic secondary purpose: a significant recruiting pitch for engineers. Tesla is heavily investing in artificial intelligence and robotics, with a projected $25 billion capital expenditure plan for 2026 dedicated to initiatives such as the Optimus robot and robotaxi development, alongside AI chip fabrication.
Elon Musk has a consistent track record of leveraging major product events to attract top talent. He previously cited recruitment as the primary objective for a 2019 Neuralink presentation and explicitly stated that attracting leading AI experts was the sole goal of Tesla’s 2021 AI Day. The advanced engineering showcased in the thruster-equipped Roadster effectively highlights Tesla's innovation capabilities, aiming to draw in engineers eager to work on frontier technologies.
FAQ
Q: What is the most significant new feature of the second-generation Tesla Roadster?
A: The most significant new feature is the integration of cold-gas thrusters, developed with SpaceX, allowing the car to jump, flip, and achieve unprecedented acceleration.
Q: When is the thruster-equipped Tesla Roadster expected to begin production?
A: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that production for the new Roadster is set to begin in 2028.
Q: Will all versions of the new Tesla Roadster be street legal?
A: While Elon Musk's comment suggested legality might vary by location, Tesla's official website explicitly states that the invite-only, single-seat Rocket version is not approved for public road use. The legality of other thruster-equipped models remains to be clarified for specific jurisdictions.
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