Tesla’s new Roadster revealed with rocket thrusters

Tesla has showcased its latest iteration of its Roadster electric sports car.

While Tesla first teased a second-generation Roadster back in 2017 – and slated production to commence in 2020 – it has been routinely delayed, and now, a new version has been unveiled.

Livestreamed online, the reveal showcased the Roadster and revealed some of its dramatic features, including rocket-style thrusters and an underbody suction system which allowed the car to cling to a vertical ramp and even drive upside down.

The thrusters were used to lift the car off the ground during the demonstration, before it rotated in mid-air and landed back down to earth on all four wheels.

It comes from a closer working partnership between Tesla and SpaceX, both owned by Elon Musk.

While the original Roadster was destined for mass-market production, this latest iteration is said to be more focused on ultra-high performance instead.

It’s why Tesla is claiming a 0-60mph time for the Roadster of just 0.81 seconds, which would put it among the fastest-accelerating vehicles ever made. The American brand is also claiming a top speed of over 230mph for the Roadster.

The Roadster has a far wider and more visually imposing look than before with a fully retractable rear wing, while inside there’s a jet-like cockpit with a steering ‘yoke’ and steer-by-wire controls.

Tesla is claiming that production for the new Roadster will commence in 2028, though no further information regarding pricing or powertrain has been revealed yet.