Tesla Roadster Revealed With Air Thrusters
Tesla has showcased a pre-production version of its upcoming Roadster electric sports car, demonstrating airborne manoeuvres using cold-air thrusters developed with technology from SpaceX. The vehicle is planned to be offered in three configurations, with the more advanced versions featuring additional thruster hardware.
The new Roadster marks the planned return of the nameplate, which was discontinued in 2012. Tesla has indicated that production is expected to begin in 2028, although final production specifications have not yet been disclosed.
Tesla Roadster: Performance, Thrust and Rocket Packages
The new Roadster will be available in a two-seat Performance configuration, which will serve as the base for two optional packages called Thrust and Rocket.
The Thrust package adds rear-mounted air thrusters, while the Rocket package features a more extensive setup with 10 thrusters. The latter is designed to enable the airborne manoeuvres demonstrated by Tesla and is limited to a single-seat configuration, as the additional hardware occupies the passenger seat area.
Tesla has also highlighted an underbody suction fan on the Performance version, which the company claims can generate up to 2G of grip. Further technical details about the system have not been provided.
How the Roadster’s Air Thrusters Work
Unlike conventional rocket propulsion systems that burn propellant, the Roadster’s demonstrated thrusters use pressurised cold air expelled through nozzles to generate thrust. According to the information released, the system can briefly lift the vehicle off the ground and influence its movement in the air.
The technology is intended to distinguish the new Roadster from conventional electric sports cars. However, details regarding the system’s operating duration, energy requirements, safety measures and integration into a production vehicle have not been disclosed.
The demonstration involved a pre-production vehicle, and it remains unclear how closely the final production version will match the showcased configuration.
Tesla Claims Sub-One-Second Acceleration
Tesla claims the new Roadster will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in under one second. This figure has yet to be independently verified and the company has not released complete production specifications.
Battery capacity, electric motor output, driving range and other key performance figures remain undisclosed. These details will be important in assessing the Roadster’s overall performance and usability beyond its headline acceleration claim.
Bookings Open in India
According to the announcement, bookings for the Performance trim and Thrust package are open in India, with a booking amount of Rs. 5 lakhs. The Rocket package is being offered through an invite-only programme.
Tesla has not provided a detailed India delivery schedule in the available information. With production planned for 2028, pricing, final specifications and the availability of the different configurations remain key details to be confirmed.
The new Roadster’s proposed combination of electric performance and air-thruster technology represents an unconventional approach to the sports car segment. Its eventual production capabilities, however, will depend on how much of the demonstrated technology can be incorporated into a road-going vehicle.
