New Tesla Roadster Can Fly and Drive Upside Down? Claims 0-96 Kmph in Just 0.59 Seconds

Tesla has revealed its redesigned Tesla Roadster with rocket assisted technology and a demonstration featuring airborne manoeuvres. The electric sports car was showcased at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas, on October 15, 2026.

Tesla claims the single seat Rocket version can accelerate from 0-96 kmph in under 0.59 seconds. The demonstration also showed the car driving upside down and briefly flying. However, production is targeted for 2028, and buyers must wait for final specifications, pricing and delivery details.

Tesla Roadster Gets Three Versions

Tesla has presented three configurations: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. Each offers different performance capabilities.

Version	Claimed 0–96 kmph Time	Seating
Performance	Under 1.6 seconds	Two
Thrust	Under 0.9 seconds	Two
Rocket	Under 0.59 seconds	One

The figures are Tesla's claims, not independently verified results. The company also claims a range exceeding 483 km, although the applicable variant and test cycle remain unclear.

How Does Rocket Technology Work?

The Roadster uses cold gas thrusters developed with SpaceX technology. These systems expel pressurised gas to generate thrust beyond conventional tyre driven acceleration.

The Thrust version adds rear mounted thrusters, while the Rocket variant uses thrusters around the vehicle. Tesla says these systems enable upward movement and rotational manoeuvres.

The demonstration included upside down driving, a brief airborne flip and a barrel roll. However, these manoeuvres took place under controlled conditions. Public road approval for airborne operation has not been established.

Tesla Roadster Rivals: Rimac Nevera, Lotus Evija

The Tesla car will attract comparisons with electric hypercars such as the Rimac Nevera and Lotus Evija. The petrol powered Porsche 911 also provides a familiar performance benchmark.

However, a fair comparison requires confirmed production specifications, independently tested acceleration and final prices. Tesla has not yet disclosed the Roadster's complete powertrain details or battery capacity.

Price, Launch Timeline and Buyer Considerations

Tesla is targeting production in 2028, while reservations have opened. Final pricing and delivery arrangements remain important details for prospective customers.

For buyers, the key questions include:

• Price: Final prices and the Rocket package's cost remain unconfirmed.
• Availability: Production is targeted for 2028.
• Practicality: Road legality, safety and everyday usability need clarification.
• Performance: Independent testing must verify Tesla's acceleration claims.

The new Tesla Roadster combines extreme acceleration claims with rocket assisted technology. However, buyers should wait for confirmed pricing, production specifications and independent test results before judging its real world potential.

Car Junction Insights

I think the Tesla Roadster showcases how far electric performance could go, but its boldest claims still need independent verification. Rocket assisted acceleration and flying manoeuvres may attract enthusiasts, yet buyers will care about price, safety and reliability. Until production specifications and delivery timelines are confirmed, it remains an exciting but unproven proposition.

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