Tesla Unveils Long-Awaited Roadster with Thruster Technology

By Adrian Cole

Tesla officially revealed its long-delayed second-generation Roadster on October 15, 2026, at a dramatic event held at SpaceX's testing facility in McGregor, Texas. The unveiling comes nearly nine years after the original concept was introduced in 2017.

The event featured a prototype Roadster equipped with cold-gas thrusters, allowing it to perform acrobatic maneuvers such as driving upside down and hovering. These thrusters, consisting of ten nozzles and approximately 600 liters of compressed air, were demonstrated in a theatrical setting complete with fog and laser lighting.

Tesla's engineering vice president, Lars Moravy, explained that the vehicle also incorporates a multi-mode suction system powered by fans, which can produce up to 2g of downforce to enhance grip. The Roadster prototype demonstrated a 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 0.8 seconds under thruster assistance.

Tesla plans to begin production of the Roadster in 2028 and will offer three configurations: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. Each trim offers varying levels of performance, with the Rocket version featuring a full thruster array for aerial maneuvers.

Across all trims, Tesla claims a range exceeding 300 miles and top speeds over 230 mph, with some estimates suggesting speeds could exceed 250 mph. These performance figures remain manufacturer claims pending independent verification.