Tesla’s fan-driven Roadster follows decades of suction-based downforce

Tesla has demonstrated its next-generation Roadster driving up a ramp and stopping upside down, using fans and a ground-sealing system to create suction. The technology is notable, but it has a history in motorsport and is also used by British manufacturer McMurtry.

The 1970 Chaparral 2J used two fans and a skirt to generate between 1.25 and 1.5 g of suction; Tesla says the Roadster can produce up to 2 g of downforce. Brabham’s fan-equipped BT46 won the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix, while McMurtry says its Spéirling can corner at more than 3 g and cling to a surface while stationary. The article also reports plans for 100 Spéirling Pure cars, with prices starting at $132,300, and says Roadster reservations cost $50,000, with production planned for 2028.