Tesla demonstrates thruster-powered Roadster prototype; Ferrari chief hails innovation
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vinna praised Tesla's new Roadster as a perfect ten for technology and presentation after the electric sports car's thruster-powered prototype was demonstrated at SpaceX’s McGregor test site in Texas. Tesla had earlier announced a livestreamed reveal of the long-delayed Roadster from the same Texas facility, and on October 15 the company lifted the Roadster 2 prototype off a ramp using high-pressure air thrusters, a demonstration that drew comments about the extensive aviation certification that such a flying vehicle would require.
Elon Musk said production is planned for 2028. The vehicle also employs powered fans to generate downforce, a concept previously used on cars such as the 1970 Chaparral 2J, and Musk hinted that owners could later trigger autonomous aerial tricks on a dedicated looping test track at the Texas site.