Tesla Unveils Second-Generation Roadster With Stunning Demonstration

On Thursday night in Texas, Tesla unveiled a production-intent second-generation Roadster, an electric sports car. According to CNET, the car was shown in a demonstration that included driving upside down, performing aerial barrel rolls and hopping over other cars.

The demonstration opened with the Roadster driving up a ramp and onto a wall, where suction fans held it vertically. Tesla Vice President of Engineering Lars Moravy said the underbody system can generate up to 2 Gs of suction. The car also performed a barrel roll using 10 SpaceX cold gas thrusters located under and around its body. The stunts used SpaceX thruster and suction technology.

The new Roadster looks very different from the curvaceous concept car that was revealed almost nine years earlier. The vehicle displayed had windows that appeared completely opaque.

In 2017, Tesla's Roadster concept targeted a 1.9-second 0-60 time, 620 miles of range and production in 2020. That 2020 production deadline passed, and the Roadster was delayed multiple times. During the delays, Tesla CEO Elon Musk shifted his focus from robotics to robotaxis to politics.

Tesla claims the Roadster can corner at more than 2 g of lateral acceleration. The company also claims it can complete a 0-60 mph sprint in 1 second, or 0.81 second with the SpaceX thrusters. These performance figures have not been independently confirmed.

Musk said the car will be offered in three trim levels, including the Rocket Roadster. The Rocket Roadster will be a limited-edition, invite-only model that is not available to the public. Musk said Tesla is aiming for a production target sometime in 2028.

Tesla did not reveal final prices or updated range estimates. Reservations for the Roadster opened at $50,000 apiece on Tesla's reservation page.