Tesla Unveils Next-Generation Roadster With SpaceX Gas Thrusters

Tesla has officially showcased the second-generation version of its Roadster sports car during a high-profile event held on October 15 at SpaceX's Rocket Development and Test Facility in McGregor, Texas. Nearly nine years after the initial prototype was revealed in 2017, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and senior designer Franz von Holzhausen introduced a vehicle equipped with advanced technologies developed in collaboration with SpaceX, including cold-gas thrusters designed to enable unprecedented maneuvers.

During the demonstration, a prototype of the Roadster executed a series of dramatic stunts, driving up a curved track before flipping in mid-air and landing stably on its wheels using its thrusters. The vehicle also successfully jumped over a lineup of five other cars and a large truck. According to Tesla, the high-performance car achieved an acceleration rate from 0 to 60 mph in less than one second, recording 0.81 seconds during the showcase, alongside a top speed exceeding 230 mph.

The vehicle incorporates a suction system designed to keep it firmly attached to the road during high-speed cornering. Musk stated that the Roadster is intended to be the only manually driven vehicle that Tesla will produce in the long term, contrasting with the company's broader focus on autonomous robotaxis such as the Cybercab. While the autonomous fleets are designed for widespread public transport, the Roadster targets elite performance enthusiasts.

Despite the spectacular presentation, industry analysts note that the Roadster is unlikely to significantly impact the company's overall financial volume or revenue. Market observers point out that the vehicle functions primarily as a halo car to showcase the company's engineering capabilities rather than a high-volume growth driver. Reservations have opened internationally, with deposit structures reaching up to €250,000 in France for specific configurations, though final retail pricing and formal delivery dates have not yet been established.

The vehicle will be offered in multiple configurations, including a performance version for road use, a thrust version utilizing cold-gas technology, and a rocket configuration available by invitation that features short-lived aerial capabilities. However, regulatory approval for public roads remains a major question mark. Musk admitted that he is not certain whether all features of the new Roadster will be legally permitted for driving in every jurisdiction, and European authorities have yet to issue official homologation standards for the vehicle.

Mass production for the new Roadster is currently slated to begin in 2028. As prospective buyers evaluate reservation terms and deposit requirements across global markets, the futuristic vehicle has reignited discussions regarding the trajectory of high-end automotive design and the integration of aerospace technology into consumer vehicles.