Tesla unveils flying Roadster: electric car performed a flip in the air

American company Tesla presented a new generation of the electric sports car Roadster, equipped with a jet nozzle system developed in collaboration with SpaceX. During the presentation, the car lifted into the air, performed a controlled flip, and also drove upside down on a special structure.

The demonstration took place on October 15 at SpaceX's test site in McGregor, Texas. This is reported by TechCrunch and Electrek.

During the test, a white Roadster prototype drove onto a curved vertical ramp, continued along its inverted part, then lifted off the surface, flipped in the air and landed on its wheels.

To perform the tricks, the electric car used two different systems. Powerful fans created a vacuum under the body and pressed the car to the surface, allowing it to drive even upside down. And jet nozzles, releasing compressed gas, provided lift, stabilization and control of the car's position in the air.

During another test, the Roadster used jet thrust to jump over several Tesla vehicles, including Cybertruck, Cybercab, Model 3, Model Y and the electric truck Semi.

According to Tesla's vice president of engineering, Lars Moravy, the system uses ten jet nozzles and tanks for approximately 600 liters of compressed gas. The design was created with the participation of engineers from the space company SpaceX.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that the new Roadster will be one of the fastest electric vehicles in the world. During the presentation, the company demonstrated acceleration to 60 miles per hour, or approximately 97 km/h, in less than a second.

Tesla plans to produce the Roadster in three versions. The base Performance will be a two-seater and will have active aerodynamics. It is designed for use on public roads.

The Thrust version will receive additional jet nozzles at the rear of the body for acceleration. According to the manufacturer, it will be able to accelerate to 97 km/h in less than 0.9 seconds.

The most powerful modification, Rocket, will have ten nozzles located around the car, which will allow it to briefly lift into the air and change position during flight. This version will have only one seat and will be sold by special invitation.

The Rocket modification does not have permission for use on public roads. Also, it is currently not confirmed whether production cars will be able to perform all the demonstrated tricks without specially prepared conditions.

According to the stated characteristics of Tesla, the range of the new Roadster will exceed 480 km, and the maximum speed of the most powerful version will be 370 km/h. These figures have not yet undergone independent testing.

Elon Musk reported that series production of the Roadster is planned to begin in 2028. The company has not announced the final price of the cars, but is already accepting pre-orders. To reserve the base version, a deposit of $50 thousand is required.

The new generation Roadster was first presented back in 2017. Initially, Tesla promised to start deliveries in 2020, but the deadlines have been repeatedly postponed. During this time, the company focused on the development of mass electric vehicle models, Cybertruck, autonomous transport and robotics.

Musk himself previously acknowledged that the Roadster is unlikely to be a determining product for Tesla's financial results. The company considers this car primarily as a demonstration of engineering capabilities and new technologies.

Based on materials from: TechCrunch, Electrek, MotorTrend