Tesla Roadster Adds Ground Suction and Cold-Gas Thrusters

Tesla Roadster Adds Ground Suction and Cold-Gas Thrusters 

The Tesla Roadster is "A True Pilot's Car," according to the company, which says it "can perform at levels unlike any other production car." The page says the car goes beyond Plaid "to unlock an entirely new dimension of driving," and it describes a vehicle built by pushing design, engineering and physics to their limits. It ties the car to SpaceX with the line "We already put Roadster in a rocket. Now we put a rocket in Roadster." The page gives no date and carries the note "Not approved for public road use."

Hidden Aero and a Space-Inspired Finish 

The exterior is described as minimalist yet highly technical. The headlights are hidden, the taillight runs the full length of the car, and the aerodynamic parts are flush-mounted so they conceal the vehicle's true form. Super-light wheels with thin spokes reinforce its structural strength. The Ano White paint takes inspiration from aerospace techniques that provide UV and cryogenic protection, along with electrostatic dissipation and corrosion resistance. The tinted glass is designed to mimic the copper coating that gives spacesuit visors their gold radiance, and subtle titanium accents complete the look.

Interior and Lightweight Build 

The interior is finished in Ultrawhite with gray microsuede detailing. The seats have microsuede bolsters for added grip. The yoke is designed specifically for steer-by-wire, a system that controls the wheels electronically instead of through a direct mechanical link. A center touchscreen and two smaller forward displays show critical driving information. Mass is reduced through first-principles engineering, manual controls and a fixed seat position, plus lightweight, high-strength materials such as magnesium, titanium and carbon fiber. The company says this lets the Roadster respond to driver inputs almost instantly.

Suction Fans and Cold-Gas Thrusters 

A multi-mode fan and ground-sealing system works as a downforce generator, pulling air out from beneath the car. The company says it provides enough suction to hold the vehicle upside down, even when stationary. Powered fans and active wings are meant to maximize traction and cornering speeds, and Track Mode lowers the car and changes the suspension for high-downforce or low-drag use. Cold-gas thrusters release compressed gas to create thrust. All-electric actuators make micro adjustments in a fraction of a second, which the company says helps stabilize the vehicle in flight. 

Three Versions of the Roadster 

The Roadster comes in three versions. The base Performance version is road ready with seating for two, active aerodynamics, and the suction system. The Thrust augment is race-ready with seating for two, and its rear cold-gas thrusters propel the car from 0-60 in under 1 second, according to Tesla. The Rocket augment is air-ready with seating for one, and its thrusters sit around the perimeter to support forward and upward acceleration and lateral rotational movement. The page adds, "So yes, it can fly." The versions are labeled By Reservation, Limited Release, and Invite Only, in that order.