Tesla unveils new Roadster and yes, it can actually fly
Tesla has unveiled its new Roadster after years of delays, but it still managed to surprise us.
Tesla unveiled a new electric supercar called the Roadster, which has some seemingly impossible specifications. The car was introduced in McGregor, Texas, and featured a demonstration where it was driven upside down on a ramp before flipping and landing gently on the ground. Tesla CEO Elon Musk credited the car's creation to the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, as the Roadster utilizes rocket technology to achieve these feats.
One of the car's remarkable features is its ability to stick to surfaces using suction fans on the bottom, allowing it to remain upside down for a while. This capability aids in stunts and enhances the car's agility during high-speed turns. The Roadster also boasts a retractable rear wing that dynamically adjusts downforce, contributing to the vehicle's performance at high speeds. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under a second.
Powered by air, the Roadster uses ten air nozzles to propel itself upward or sideways without needing any special fuel. This unique propulsion system was demonstrated during the event, with the car performing a kickflip and rolling over Tesla's entire fleet of vehicles, including the Tesla Semi. The car's zero to 60 mph time was measured at 0.81 seconds, which is faster than any other production car.
Musk predicts that the production version of the Roadster will be even faster, potentially reaching speeds up to Mach 0.5 or 370 mph. However, the top speed is officially stated at 230 mph, although Musk claims it can go faster. The interior of the Tesla Roadster features sporty seats, a yoke wheel, and a large, centrally placed infotainment display with a microsuede finish. The car is available in white with an Iconic Ultrawhite interior.
Several questions remain unanswered, such as the battery size, lifespan, and powertrain specifics. The flying aspect of the car is also unclear, with limited information on its duration, range, and road legality. The Roadster comes in three variants: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. The Performance variant costs $5,000 today and an additional $45,000 within 10 days, the Thrust variant adds acceleration thrusters for a price of $245,000, and the Rocket variant, which can actually fly, remains invite-only with details on availability yet to be disclosed.
The Roadster's production is expected to begin in 2028, nine years after its initial announcement in 2017.
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