Tesla showcases next-generation Roadster performing aerial maneuvers and sub-second 0-60 acceleration in Texas demo
Tesla demonstrated a prototype of its upcoming Roadster in Waco, Texas, where the electric supercar drove upside down, performed brief flight maneuvers and claimed a 0-60 mph time of 0.81 seconds.
Tesla held a brief demonstration of its next-generation Roadster at a venue in Waco, Texas, featuring a vertical ramp ascent, a controlled flip using cold-gas thrusters, and a short hover over a display of other Tesla models. The prototype reportedly accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 0.81 seconds, a figure the company said exceeds its target of sub-one-second performance.
"So it can basically fly like a rocket," Elon Musk said, adding that the vehicle could perform rolls and other “crazy gymnastics" but noting it is not a safety-optimized car.
Tesla engineering vice president Lars Moravy described the maneuver as a “kick flip” and highlighted the use of attitude-control thrusters and a fan-based suction system supplied by SpaceX, capable of generating up to two g of downforce. The Roadster is equipped with two ultra-high-pressure air tanks holding about 250 kg of compressed air, which powers ten nozzles for thrust without a chemical propellant.
The prototype incorporates steer-by-wire controls, a yoke-style steering interface, and a retractable rear wing for additional downforce. While Musk reiterated plans for production in 2028, he acknowledged that regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would be required.
Analysts have noted that the Roadster’s timeline has slipped repeatedly since its initial announcement in 2017, and that competing manufacturers have introduced high-performance electric sports cars in the interim. Tesla has not disclosed pricing, trim levels, or a definitive release schedule for the new Roadster.