Tesla to unveil Roadster demo with possible cold-gas thruster display
Tesla will livestream the new Roadster demonstration, which may include a cold-gas thruster system that could produce a loud sound, while the event was delayed due to high winds.
Tesla is set to livestream the unveiling of its next-generation Roadster at 7:55 p.m. Central Time on X. Elon Musk described the demonstration as a potential "candidate for greatest product demo of all time" and suggested that the show could include a literal bang, referring to the cold-gas thrusters that have been linked to the vehicle since 2018. The thrusters, reportedly using a composite overwrapped pressure vessel similar to those on SpaceX's Falcon 9, can generate loud noises when fired at full output.
The event was postponed because of high winds, a safety precaution for a demonstration that may involve the car leaving the ground. Spectators will be positioned several hundred yards from the test site near SpaceX’s McGregor facility, and the vehicle is expected to be unmanned during the demo.
Tesla has not confirmed any cinematic references, though Musk previously hinted at a "Back to the Future" connection when discussing the Roadster’s capabilities. Official specifications from 2017 remain unchanged, citing a range of 620 miles, a top speed above 250 mph, and a 0-to-60 time of 1.9 seconds. Pricing starts at $200,000 for the base model, with a $250,000 Founders Series option, and production is slated for Giga Texas in 2027 or 2028.
The livestream will also cover pricing, specifications, and production targets ahead of Tesla’s third-quarter earnings report scheduled for October 21.