Upside down, mid-air and over 5 Teslas: What powered the new Roadster’s stunt?

Tesla’s next-generation Roadster executed a dramatic aerial maneuver at an event held outside Waco, Texas, drawing widespread attention to the electric vehicle manufacturer’s long-awaited sports car. The demonstration, streamed live, showed the car driving up a curved ramp, continuing its movement upside down using a suction system, and then lifting off the ground, flipping mid-air, and landing safely with the aid of thrusters installed around the vehicle. Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared the event on his X platform, stating, “Turns out the future does have flying cars,” alongside a video of the stunt. The Roadster, which is being developed in partnership with SpaceX, showcases advanced propulsion and aerodynamic technologies. During the event, the car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in less than a second, highlighting its performance capabilities. However, the demonstration is not indicative of the final specifications or production-ready features of the vehicle. The car displayed in the video is a redesigned version of the Roadster, with production slated to begin in 2028, according to Tesla. The second-generation Roadster represents a significant evolution from the original model, which was first unveiled in 2006 and entered production in 2008. The initial Roadster was notable for proving that an all-electric vehicle could match the performance of a traditional sports car. Production of the original Roadster ceased in 2012, and the second generation was introduced as a prototype in 2017, though it has faced multiple delays in reaching production. The ability of the Roadster to drive upside down is achieved through a suction system installed beneath the car. Unlike conventional vehicles that depend on tire grip and aerodynamic downforce, this system generates additional force to keep the vehicle adhered to the surface. During the demonstration, the Roadster maintained contact with the ramp while moving upside down before launching into the air. Tesla has not yet disclosed the practical limits of this system in standard driving conditions. The Roadster also incorporates a cold-gas thruster system developed with SpaceX engineers. This system utilizes compressed air stored in high-pressure tanks, which is expelled through multiple nozzles to create thrust. According to Tesla’s engineering vice president, Lars Moravy, the system employs ten thrusters connected to tanks containing 600 liters of compressed air. This air can be replenished, eliminating the need for conventional rocket fuel. Despite the impressive demonstration, the Roadster’s ability to function as a flying car for everyday use remains uncertain. While the vehicle can perform controlled aerial maneuvers, there is no confirmation that it can sustain flight over long distances or operate as a conventional aircraft. Questions regarding the car’s maximum flight altitude, range, and safety performance remain unanswered. Tesla has not provided independently verified data on these aspects. During the event, the Roadster also demonstrated its capability to leap over other Tesla vehicles, showcasing the effectiveness of its thruster system. However, the demonstration does not confirm the feasibility of using the Roadster for sustained aerial travel in typical road conditions or adverse weather. The company has not specified the final production specifications, pricing, or availability of the vehicle. Tesla has not officially announced the price of the new Roadster, though historical references suggest a base price of around $200,000. Reservation deposits vary depending on the version chosen, with the “Performance” variant requiring a $50,000 deposit and the “Thrust” version needing a $250,000 deposit. A special “Rocket” variant, which includes a full flight system, is described as invite-only on Tesla’s website. The demonstration has sparked discussions about the potential integration of Tesla and SpaceX, given the technological synergy between the two companies. Analysts have noted that while the Roadster serves as a symbol of Tesla’s engineering prowess, its financial impact on the company is minimal compared to its broader strategic goals in self-driving technology and robotics. Investors and industry observers have expressed mixed reactions, with some viewing the event as a marketing spectacle and others recognizing its significance as a milestone in automotive innovation.