Tesla has presented a substantially redesigned version of its next-generation Roadster, highlighting experimental technologies developed in collaboration with SpaceX. The presentation took place on 15 October 2026 at the SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, following a delay of two weeks.
First announced in 2017, the electric sports car has faced repeated delays and changes in its proposed specifications. Tesla now says production is targeted to begin in 2028, although detailed information about the final production vehicle remains limited.
The latest presentation focused heavily on the prototype’s cold-gas thrusters, unusual manoeuvres and extreme acceleration claims. These features distinguish the new concept from a conventional road-going sports car, and their applicability to a road-legal vehicle in Germany remains uncertain.
SpaceX Thrusters and Experimental Features
During the demonstration, the angular Roadster prototype activated 10 cold-gas compressed-air thrusters and lifted off the ground. The vehicle was shown rotating around its longitudinal axis before returning to the ground on all four wheels.
The thrusters use electrically actuated controls for fine adjustments intended to stabilise the vehicle in the air. The prototype also features steer-by-wire control and a yoke-style steering wheel.
Another technology demonstrated was an underbody suction system. A multi-stage fan and sealed floor draw air from beneath the vehicle, generating downforce intended to hold it against a surface. Tesla demonstrated the system by positioning the car upside-down, even while stationary.
The concept follows earlier work on fan-generated downforce by the McMurtry Spéirling, which demonstrated a similar approach in 2025.
Tesla also showed the Roadster passing over a line of vehicles, including the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, Cybercab and Semi, during its demonstration.
These demonstrations were the central focus of the presentation, but Tesla has not provided enough information to establish which features will be available in a production model or permitted for use on public roads.
Acceleration Claims and Performance Versions
Elon Musk said the Roadster could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (approximately 96.5 km/h) in 0.81 seconds during the demonstration. The reported acceleration would subject occupants to forces of up to 3.3 G.
Tesla has also outlined three versions through its configurator: Performance, Thrust and Rocket.
The Performance model is presented as the entry-level road-going version, with two seats and the underbody suction system. Tesla lists an acceleration target of approximately 1.6 seconds for the 0–60 mph sprint. Reservations require a payment of €50,000, comprising €5,000 immediately and a further €45,000 within 10 days.
The Thrust variant is designed for track use and adds rear cold-gas thrusters. Tesla targets an acceleration time below 0.9 seconds and requires a reservation payment of €250,000. The company limits this version to one unit per customer.
The Rocket package is the most extreme configuration, with a single seat and 10 cold-gas thrusters. It includes the flight-capability system alongside the features of the Performance and Thrust versions. Tesla lists a target 0–60 mph time of 0.59 seconds. The model is not available for public ordering and is intended for selected customers invited by the company.
The quoted acceleration figures are manufacturer targets or claims; independent verification and full production specifications have not been provided.
Range, Speed and Design Differ From the 2017 Concept
The latest Roadster differs considerably from the vehicle Tesla announced in 2017. The original proposal included a 200 kWh battery and a claimed range of up to 1,000 km. The latest configuration is reported to target a maximum range of approximately 480 km, reflecting a greater emphasis on reducing weight.
The original rounded grand-touring design, with a 2+2 seating layout, has also been replaced by a more angular body inspired by the Cybertruck. The new design has two seats in the standard configuration, while the Rocket package reduces this to one.
Tesla’s previously stated top-speed target of more than 400 km/h has also been revised to approximately 370 km/h.
Musk and Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen described the styling as drawing inspiration from the Cybertruck and aircraft such as the SR-71 Blackbird and F-35. Design elements include concealed headlights, a full-width rear light strip, an “Ano White” paint finish and gold-tinted glazing intended to evoke astronaut helmet visors.
Lightweight Materials and Interior
Tesla says the vehicle uses magnesium, titanium and carbon fibre to limit weight despite its complex systems. The seats are fixed-mounted, while the cabin follows a minimalist design with white and grey microfibre materials.
The interior includes a central touchscreen and two smaller displays positioned within the driver’s field of view.
However, Tesla has not yet published a complete technical specification sheet covering the production vehicle’s battery capacity, charging performance, power output, vehicle weight or final range.
Production Timeline and Road-Legal Questions
Tesla is targeting production in 2028, more than a decade after the Roadster was first announced. The company has not provided a detailed delivery schedule or confirmed when the final production specifications will be available.
The proposed thruster-equipped variants also raise regulatory questions, particularly in markets such as Germany, where public-road vehicles must meet applicable safety and type-approval requirements. The presentation did not establish that the flight-capability system or its associated manoeuvres would be approved for public-road use.
For now, the Roadster’s performance claims and experimental features remain a prominent part of Tesla’s presentation, while important details about the production vehicle and its regulatory status are still outstanding.
