Tesla unveiled a redesigned Roadster on October 15, with an invitation-only Rocket version the company says can fly. Its updated launch page also lists two-seat Performance and Thrust versions.
Three versions, three different promises
- Performance: The two-seat road model. It has movable aerodynamic surfaces and a fan-powered suction system designed to increase grip.
- Thrust: A limited-release, two-seat version with rear cold-gas thrusters. Tesla says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under one second.
- Rocket: The invitation-only, single-seat version. Thrusters around the car are designed to lift it and control its movement in the air. Tesla says it can fly and states that it is not approved for public road use.
Those performance figures are manufacturer claims; we have not independently tested the car.
What the fans and thrusters do
The suction system pulls air out from beneath the car. That draws the car toward the road, helping the tires maintain grip. Tesla says the system can create downforce even when the car is stationary, rather than relying only on air flowing over a moving vehicle.
Cold-gas thrusters expel pressurized gas to provide an extra push. Tesla places them at the rear for Thrust’s acceleration system and around the vehicle for Rocket’s flight system. Its launch page says electrically controlled thrusters make rapid adjustments to stabilize the flying version.
The cabin pairs white seats with gray microsuede, a steering yoke and three displays. Tesla says fixed seats and materials including magnesium, titanium and carbon fiber help reduce weight. The exterior has concealed headlights, a taillight spanning the rear and gold-tinted glass inspired by spacesuit visors.
A long wait since 2017
Tesla first showed the second-generation Roadster in 2017. Its shareholder letter from that period advertised 0–60 mph in 1.9 seconds, a top speed above 250 mph and 620 miles of range. Those were the earlier car’s announced figures, not confirmed specifications for the versions shown now.
The original plan called for availability in 2020, according to Car and Driver’s 2017 coverage.
Reservations are open. The full price is not listed.
On the U.S. reservation page checked October 15, Performance requires $5,000 initially and $45,000 within ten days: $50,000 in total. Selecting Thrust changes the second payment to $245,000, for a $250,000 reservation. Thrust is limited to one order per customer, and availability depends on local legal requirements.
Those reservation payments are not a published final purchase price. Neither the launch page nor the reservation page listed a delivery date or current driving range when we checked.
