Brief
Tesla unveils SpaceX‑thruster Roadster demo in Texas
Elon Musk demonstrated a rocket‑thruster‑equipped Roadster that lifted, spun and landed at a Texas event.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Tesla unveiled a second‑generation Roadster equipped with SpaceX rocket thrusters at a demonstration outside Waco, Texas, on Thursday, according to TechCrunch.
What happened
The prototype used a combination of high‑powered fans and about ten small rocket thrusters to drive up an inverted ramp, spin, and then settle back onto the pavement. During the show the car lifted over a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Semi, Model Y and Model 3 while in motion. Tesla claimed the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in one second.
What the reports add
TechCrunch noted that the event marked the ninth anniversary of the original second‑gen Roadster reveal in 2017, when Tesla first promised a modernized version of its inaugural car. The outlet also reported that customers can place $50,000 deposits for the new model, with a limited “Founders Series” priced at $250,000 for 1,000 units.
What was said
Elon Musk told the audience, “This will be the actual car that’s on the roads,” and added, “It literally is just going to puff itself up, and uh, and be able to do this, these maneuvers whenever you’d like.” He also said safety is not the primary goal, warning, “If you buy a Ferrari, safety is not the number one goal. I say, if safety is your number one goal, do not buy the Roadster.” Musk described the project as “the culmination of incredible work by Tesla and SpaceX engineers” and recalled his earlier doubt, “When I suggested this to the team, I thought, ‘Am I crazy?’”
How it came about
The concept of adding thrusters to the Roadster dates back to 2018, when Musk tweeted about a “SpaceX option package” featuring roughly ten small rocket engines. Earlier this year he hinted on a podcast that safety would not be the car’s main selling point. The demonstration follows a 2026 Felo News report on the same prototype’s lift‑off using compressed‑air thrusters in McGregor, Texas, and its planned 2028 production start.
Key facts
- Tesla demonstrated a Roadster with SpaceX thrusters that lifted, spun and landed at a Texas test site. (techcrunch.com)
- The vehicle reportedly accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in one second. (techcrunch.com)
- Customers can reserve the new Roadster with a $50,000 deposit; a limited Founders Series costs $250,000. (techcrunch.com)
- Elon Musk said safety is not the primary goal of the Roadster. (techcrunch.com)
- The thruster concept was first mentioned by Musk on Twitter in 2018. (techcrunch.com)
Sources
- [1] techcrunch.com — originally reported as “Tesla reveals SpaceX-powered Roadster that flies and falls with style”
