Tesla reveals redesigned Roadster with thrusters for airborne stunts

Tesla unveiled its redesigned Roadster on October 15, demonstrating jumps and aerial rotation powered by compressed-gas thrusters. The electric sports car adopts more angular styling than the prototype introduced in 2017.

Tesla described three configurations: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The company claims acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph takes less than 1.6 seconds for Performance, 0.9 seconds for Thrust and 0.59 seconds for Rocket. The single-seat Rocket version adds thrusters for lifting and rotating the car and is not approved for public roads.

The redesign follows years of delays after Tesla initially targeted production in 2020. Its stated range now exceeds 300 miles, compared with the original 620-mile promise. Seating has also fallen from the earlier four-seat layout to a maximum of two.

Elon Musk indicated production would begin in 2028, but Tesla did not disclose vehicle prices. Reservations reopened with an initial $5,000 payment and another $45,000 required within 10 days.