Tesla Unveils Redesigned Roadster with SpaceX Thrusters

Tesla has unveiled its redesigned Roadster electric sports car, featuring thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX, during an event at SpaceX's test facility in McGregor, Texas, on October 15. The new model showcased aerial maneuvers, including driving upside down and rotating in midair. Production is targeted for 2028.

The redesigned Roadster comes in three variants: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. The two-seat Performance version includes active aerodynamics and a suction system for improved grip, with a claimed acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 1.6 seconds. The Thrust variant adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, reducing the acceleration time to less than 0.9 seconds. The single-seat Rocket version features additional thrusters for vertical and rotational movement, with a quoted acceleration of less than 0.59 seconds and a top speed exceeding 230 mph. However, the Rocket configuration is not approved for public road use.

Tesla estimates a driving range exceeding 300 miles for the new Roadster, a reduction from the 620 miles initially promised in 2017. Deliveries were initially expected in 2020. The automaker has not announced final selling prices for the three configurations or disclosed the development budget for the redesigned Roadster. A $50,000 deposit was listed for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version on Tesla's US reservation page. No public reservation amount was specified for the Rocket version.

Tesla originally quoted a $200,000 starting price for the second-generation Roadster in 2017. The first-generation Roadster, Tesla's initial production electric vehicle, had cumulative capital expenditure and research and development costs totaling approximately $125 million before initial deliveries in 2008. Approximately 2,150 units were delivered by the end of 2011 before production concluded in January 2012.

**Context:** Tesla's unveiling of the redesigned Roadster with SpaceX thrusters marks a significant advancement in electric vehicle technology, pushing the boundaries of performance and aerodynamics. The collaboration with SpaceX highlights the growing intersection of automotive and aerospace technologies, with potential implications for future vehicle designs and capabilities. The new Roadster's extreme performance specifications and unique features underscore Tesla's continued innovation in the electric vehicle market, despite production delays and changes in estimated range.