Tesla unveils redesigned Roadster with cold-gas thruster option; reservations start at $5,000

Electric carmaker Tesla has unveiled its next-generation Roadster sports car, nine years after showing a concept prototype and following years of launch delays. The event took place at the test site of SpaceX, the space company led by Elon Musk, in McGregor, Texas. Musk, who also leads Tesla, said the new Roadster will go into production in 2028.

Stunts at the event

During the presentation, the car drove up a C-shaped ramp and stopped on the section perpendicular to the ground, hanging upside down. The stunt was then repeated: the car jumped off the top of the ramp, flipped, and its thruster system fired so it could hover safely down to the ground. When the driver's door was opened, an Optimus robot was sitting in the seat. It was only there for show, as the stunts were programmed into the vehicle.

Later, the team explained that the car has a suction system on its underside that lets it stick to the ramp upside down. Tesla's website says a multi-mode fan and ground-sealing system pulls air from beneath the vehicle to generate downforce, making it possible to hold the car upside down even when stationary. The landing was made possible by attitude-control thrusters and rear thrusters using technology borrowed from SpaceX. These cold-gas thrusters use all-electric actuators for precise thrust and can make micro adjustments within a fraction of a second.

Pricing and reservations

Tesla took pre-orders for the Roadster when it was first announced. Those who missed that chance can now reserve one for $5,000, with a further $45,000 due within 10 days for the base vehicle.

The thrusters and suction system cost extra. For the "Thrust" package, which includes the suction system and acceleration thrusters, buyers must pay an additional $245,000 within 10 days of reservation. The "Rocket" version, which includes the full flight system, is available by invitation only.