On Thursday, October 15, Tesla used SpaceX’s test facility in McGregor, Texas, to showcase a new Roadster prototype that literally took flight. The vehicle ascended a steep ramp, performed a controlled aerial rotation, and landed safely, illustrating the company’s integration of aerospace‑grade thrusters and a suction system that can hold the car upside down.
Performance highlights
According to the demonstration, the Roadster achieved a zero‑to‑60‑mph time of 0.81 seconds. Tesla clarified that this figure reflects the prototype’s performance during the live event and has not been independently verified as a production‑car record.
Design and technology
The prototype features cold‑gas thrusters mounted at the rear for rapid acceleration, and an optional “Rocket” configuration that adds additional thrusters around the vehicle to enable upward lift and rotation. Tesla’s website describes a fan system that pulls air from beneath the car, creating enough suction to keep it inverted while stationary.
Inside, the Roadster includes a steer‑by‑wire yoke, a central touchscreen, two forward displays, and a cabin built from magnesium, titanium and carbon‑fiber components to reduce weight. The exterior is finished in “Ano White,” a paint inspired by aerospace protective coatings, with tinted windows that mimic the golden hue of spacesuit visors.
Versions and restrictions
Two‑seat Performance version buyers can opt for the thrust upgrade, while the invitation‑only Rocket version seats a single occupant and adds full‑vehicle thrusters for vertical movement. Tesla explicitly states that the Rocket version is “not approved for public road use” and may not be offered in every region.
Production timeline and pricing
CEO Elon Musk told reporters that production of the Roadster is slated to begin in 2028. The company has not released a purchase price for the new model. The Roadster follows a prototype first shown in 2017, which originally targeted deliveries for 2020.
Local significance
The event adds another Texas milestone for Tesla, complementing earlier state‑wide initiatives such as the April Robotaxi rollout in Dallas and Houston. The McGregor facility, located roughly 70 miles north of Austin, continues to serve as a hub for Tesla’s advanced vehicle testing and development.
Public reaction
Some observers noted the livestream’s start time of 7:55 p.m. Central (19:55) as a possible nod to the classic film “Back to the Future,” though Tesla has not confirmed any intentional reference.
Overall, the demonstration underscores Tesla’s ambition to blend high‑performance electric vehicles with aerospace technology, while clearly marking the Rocket version as a non‑road‑legal concept.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
