Tesla Unveils Redesigned Roadster With Fan-Generated Downforce
publishers 174articles 228first reported 14 Oct, 01:36 UTCdeveloping since 14 Oct · 14 editions
Tesla unveiled its redesigned Roadster at a SpaceX facility in Texas on Oct. 15, demonstrating a prototype that climbed a curved ramp, stopped while inverted and then became airborne before rotating and landing on its wheels.
Tesla said a multi-mode fan and ground-sealing system pulls air from beneath the car, generating enough downforce to hold it upside down at any speed. The system is not unprecedented: earlier vehicles using fans to create downforce include the 1970 Chaparral 2J, the 1978 Brabham BT46 Formula One car and McMurtry Automotive’s Spéirling.
CEO Elon Musk described the vehicle as a flying car but said its success was not guaranteed. Tesla estimates production will begin in 2028. Its reservation agreement says the Roadster remains under development and that the company cannot guarantee when a vehicle will be delivered or whether it will be delivered. It also says specifications and final pricing may change. The Drive reported that reservations are refundable and can require payments of up to $250,000, while Yahoo reported a $5,000 deposit for the conventional version and said the flight-capable “Rocket” model would be offered by invitation.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the Roadster would be legal in his state. However, Florida controls road registration and licensing, while federal vehicle-safety rules fall under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and aircraft safety is overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 8 articles, 4 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 150 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
- 174
- Source articles
- 228
- Given to the writer
- 8, 4 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8
- This version written
- 150 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
- Publication gate
- passed
- Human review
- none
WHAT THE EDITOR DID
The second model checked the writer's draft against the same sources and published it as written.
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