Tesla's new Roadster can drive upside down and jump using SpaceX technology
Photo: Tesla will release a Roadster with SpaceX rocket thrusters (screenshot: Tesla)
Nine years after presenting the concept, Tesla has unveiled the production version of the Roadster. The electric car can drive upside down using a vacuum system and perform controlled jumps with SpaceX thrusters, Tesla reports.
Tricks with vacuum technology and rocket thrusters
During the presentation, the car drove onto a C-shaped ramp and stopped parallel to the ground. It then jumped from the top of the structure, hovered in the air, and made a soft landing.
The humanoid Optimus robot was in the driver's seat during the stunt. However, all maneuvers were performed in a fully automated, preprogrammed mode.
Engineers used unique technologies to perform these stunts.
Vacuum suction system: A system of fans and grounding mechanisms pumps air out from beneath the car, creating powerful downforce that keeps the electric vehicle upside down even when stationary.
SpaceX rocket thrusters: Maneuvering cold-gas thrusters with electric actuators are responsible for soft landings and jumps, making micro-adjustments in fractions of a second.
Production of the updated Tesla Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Reservations and pricing
Tesla has already opened reservations for the new model. A standard reservation requires an initial payment of $5,000, followed by an additional $45,000 within the first 10 days.
However, the innovative stabilization and acceleration systems are not included in the base configuration.
What packages are available
The Thrust package includes the vacuum downforce system and cold-gas acceleration thrusters. It costs an additional $245,000.
The Rocket version comes with a full flight system and will be available exclusively by special invitation from the company.
Read more: From Tesla to NATO: Ex-engineers build a robot designed to take risks for humans
