WACO, Texas — Tesla has offered its clearest look yet at the next-generation Roadster, staging a live demonstration that saw a prototype execute short aerial maneuvers using a cold-gas thruster system engineered alongside SpaceX.
Held at a testing site in Texas, the event showcased the supercar climbing a curved launch ramp before engaging ten perimeter-mounted thrusters. Supplied by dual ultra-high-pressure composite tanks storing roughly 250 kilograms of compressed air, the system delivered localized thrust to rotate the vehicle mid-air and cushion its descent back to the track surface. Underbody suction fans generating up to two Gs of downward force were also deployed to assist stability during steep ramp approaches.
According to Tesla engineering specifications, onboard electric compressors continuously recharge the pneumatic storage system while driving. The setup is designed to unlock $0\text{–}60\text{ mph}$ acceleration in under one second, alongside brief bursts of levitation. However, company officials noted that the top-tier “air-ready” configuration will remain strictly restricted to closed tracks and private circuit grounds.
Targeting a 2028 production launch, Tesla faces significant regulatory hurdles with transport authorities regarding public road legality for thruster-equipped variants.