Tesla has revealed more details about its next-generation Roadster, including three configurations, SpaceX-inspired thrusters and a top-end Rocket version that the company says can actually fly. Tesla showed off the technology during a wild demonstration in Waco, Texas, tonight.
The new Roadster will be offered in Performance, Thrust and Rocket configurations, each with increasingly extreme capabilities.
The Performance version is designed for road use and seats two people. It features active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system designed to improve grip and handling on both roads and racetracks. Tesla claims it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 1.6 seconds.
The Thrust version also seats two but adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters alongside the suction system. Tesla says this race-focused configuration can reach 60 mph in under 0.9 seconds.
The most extreme option is the Rocket, a single-seat configuration equipped with perimeter-mounted cold-gas thrusters.
Tesla says these thrusters can provide forward and upward acceleration, along with sideways and rotational movement.
“So…yes, it can fly,” the company said.
Tesla says the Rocket version can hit 60 mph in under 0.59 seconds and reach speeds exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h). The company also lists a range of more than 300 miles (483 km), although it has not provided separate range figures for each configuration.
According to Tesla, SpaceX has used thrusters to position spacecraft for decades, but adapting the technology for a road vehicle required entirely new hardware and control systems.
The Roadster stores compressed gas inside carbon fibre overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs), with Tesla saying nearly every available space inside the car is being used for storage.
More compressed gas means the thrusters can operate for longer periods.
Tesla also says its thruster system can generate four to five times the force that conventional tires can provide.
That could allow the Roadster to accelerate far harder than traditional cars, which are limited by tire grip.
The company says the Roadster will also transform when Track Mode is activated, deploying aerodynamic features designed to generate downforce approaching Formula 1 levels.
Interestingly, Tesla says the active wing uses actuators developed for its Optimus humanoid robot.
Tesla also shared details about the Roadster’s interior, which takes a minimalist approach to keep weight down and improve performance.
The cabin features an Ultrawhite colour scheme with grey microsuede detailing and seat bolsters designed to provide extra grip during aggressive driving.
Rather than adding more technology and adjustable components, Tesla says the Roadster uses manual controls and a fixed seating position to reduce overall vehicle weight.
The company is also using lightweight, high-strength materials throughout the car, including magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre.
Every bit of weight saved matters when Tesla is targeting acceleration figures this extreme.
Tesla describes the Roadster as a true “pilot’s car,” combining active aerodynamics, a multi-mode suction system and cold-gas thrusters to respond to driver inputs almost instantly.
The idea is to give drivers precise control over a vehicle that can accelerate, brake and change direction much harder than a conventional sports car.
Tesla says the Roadster’s design has evolved significantly since its original unveiling.
The company’s styling has changed from its original Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y lineup to newer products such as the Cybertruck, Cybercab and Optimus.
The updated Roadster takes inspiration from two military aircraft, the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance jet and the F-35 fighter jet.
That aerospace influence carries over to the exterior, which features concealed headlights, a full-length taillight and flush-mounted surfaces for a clean, futuristic appearance.
Tesla says the Roadster also uses extremely lightweight wheels with thin spokes designed to maintain structural strength while reducing weight.
There’s also a new exterior finish called Ano White, which Tesla says draws on aerospace technology to provide UV and cryogenic protection, electrostatic dissipation and corrosion resistance.
Another unusual detail is the Gold Glazed tinted glass, inspired by the copper coating found on astronaut spacesuit visors.
Subtle titanium accents complete the exterior design.
These details aren’t just about appearance. Tesla says the lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics and thruster technology are all intended to make the Roadster respond almost instantly to driver inputs.
Tesla also reflected on the original Roadster, which launched in 2008 with one goal: prove electric cars could be fast, attractive and desirable.
Nearly two decades later, Tesla is positioning the new Roadster as “the best of the last human-driven cars.”
The statement comes as Tesla continues developing autonomous vehicles, including Cybercab, which is designed without traditional driving controls.
| Configuration | Seats | 0–60 mph |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | Under 1.6 seconds |
| Thrust | 2 | Under 0.9 seconds |
| Rocket | 1 | Under 0.59 seconds |
The Roadster’s claimed range exceeds 300 miles (483 km), while the Rocket configuration has a claimed top speed of more than 230 mph (370 km/h).
Tesla has not announced pricing for the three configurations or provided independently verified performance results.
The demonstration in Waco gave viewers a look at Tesla’s ambitious plans for the Roadster, particularly its use of thrusters to push beyond the limits of conventional tire grip.
For now, the figures remain Tesla’s stated targets until the production Roadster demonstrates those capabilities.
You can reserve a Roadster today with $5,000 down, then an additional $45,000 ten days later.
Check out the livestream replay below:
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