Tesla showcases next-generation Roadster with thruster-powered stunts
Tesla used its next-generation Roadster launch event to stage a series of dramatic car stunts, including driving up a curved ramp and hanging upside-down. The display showed off cold-gas thrusters developed with technology borrowed from SpaceX, while drawing attention to the car’s unusual features and reservation options.
The Roadster also jumped over parked Tesla vehicles and performed a flip from a stationary position before hovering back down. A base reservation cost $5,000, with a further $45,000 due within 10 days; a version with suction equipment and accelerator thrusters cost $250,000 to reserve. The jump-capable model was available by invitation only.
- Tesla’s new Roadster performed jumps, flips and hovering stunts.
- Base reservations cost $5,000, plus $45,000 within 10 days.
- The jump-capable version was invite-only.
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Tesla is an electric car company led by Elon Musk, who also runs the space company SpaceX. The Roadster is Tesla’s sports car, and the next-generation model is intended to build on the original Roadster, which helped establish the company’s early reputation.
The car’s proposed thrusters use bursts of compressed gas to provide extra force, drawing on technology associated with SpaceX. The launch display and reservation options matter because they show how Tesla is presenting the Roadster: as a high-performance car with features beyond ordinary road driving.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Relive Tesla’s ridiculous(ly fun) Roadster stunt show”.