The new Tesla Roadster
has been unveiled as an electric hypercar that uses SpaceX cold-gas thruster
technology to cover 0-60 mph in 0.81 seconds. The reveal took place at SpaceX's
rocket development and test facility in McGregor, Texas.
The 0.81-second run was recorded on a test pad
during the live event, and top speed is listed as over 370 km/h. Elon Musk said
the car could go quicker still.
Tesla Roadster - Thrusters and Suction System
The standard Thrust
model comes with cold-gas thrusters that fire pressurised air out of four holes
at the rear. The gas exits faster than the speed of sound. Tesla claims the
system produces over 80 kilonewtons of thrust, comparable to the engines on
some fighter jets and commercial airliners. The 0-60 mph time is less than half
of what a Bugatti Chiron or Aston Martin Valkyrie takes.
The invite-only Rocket version adds more thrusters
around the car to support forward and upward acceleration and lateral
rotational movement. That is what allows it to fly. Electric actuators provide
thrust control and micro-adjustments within a fraction of a second to stabilise
the car in flight. The thruster system also keeps the Rocket from being
street-legal.
The Tesla Roadster also has impellers that pull
air out from beneath the car, a setup Tesla calls the Multi-Mode Suction
System. It generates downforce even at standstill, enough for the car to drive
upside down, which was demonstrated at the reveal.
Cornering forces are claimed to exceed 2G, similar
to what a Formula One driver experiences. Musk claimed the car will beat every
track record ever set. Track use brings high downforce and low drag modes, and
the car lowers itself in Track mode.
Tesla Roadster - Design, Interior and
Seating
The wedge-shaped Tesla Roadster looks nothing like the
second-generation prototype shown nearly a decade ago. Active aerodynamics
include a large rear wing that extends out of the tail.
The Tesla Roadster's design draws inspiration from
jets and other aerospace machines. The tinted glass is meant to mimic the
copper coating that gives spacesuit visors their gold radiance, and the Ano
White paint is designed to offer UV and cryogenic protection in space. The
cabin is minimalist, with a steer-by-wire yoke, microsuede upholstery and a
central touchscreen. Two smaller displays are meant to show critical driving
information. The Roadster was originally planned as a four-seater, but the
final version seats two. The Rocket model has a single seat, and the seats are
fixed to save weight.
Tesla Roadster - Production & Pricing
Production of the Tesla Roadster is set to begin in 2028, according to Musk,
nine years later than originally planned. The car will be offered only in
left-hand drive. Pricing has not been confirmed. Tesla had originally promised
a price of $200,000 to $250,000.(Currently ₹1.9 crore to ₹2.4 crore)
Source: https://www.drivespark.com/four-wheelers/2026/tesla-roadster-revealed-with-spacex-rocket-thrusters-088375.html
By CarVaidya
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