Tesla unveils thruster-equipped Roadster, targets 2028 production
publishers 125articles 158first reported 14 Oct, 01:36 UTCdeveloping since 14 Oct · 14 editionstop 25 #3
Tesla has unveiled a redesigned Roadster that used compressed-air thrusters and a suction system to perform airborne stunts at SpaceX’s rocket-testing facility in McGregor, Texas.
During Thursday’s demonstration, the driverless prototype clung upside down to a ramp, launched into the air, rolled and landed using 10 cold-gas thrusters developed through a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers. It also jumped over a line of Tesla vehicles. The thrusters are supplied by about 600 liters of compressed air stored in carbon-fiber pressure vessels, while underbody fans create suction to hold the car against a surface.
Tesla described three versions. The two-seat Performance model has no thrusters, while the limited Thrust model adds rear-mounted units. The single-seat Rocket configuration includes the full set of perimeter thrusters, is available by invitation only and is not approved for public-road use.
Tesla says the Roadster can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than one second, exceed 230 mph and travel more than 300 miles on a charge. The company did not announce final prices at the event.
Production is scheduled for 2028. Tesla first presented the next-generation Roadster in 2017 and initially planned deliveries for 2020, but repeatedly delayed the vehicle. Chief executive Elon Musk acknowledged that the car is not “necessarily safety-optimized” and has previously said it is unlikely to make a major financial contribution to Tesla.
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Written from 8 articles, 8 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 58 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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- This version written
- 58 h after the record first saw the story
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