Tesla unveiled the next generation of its electric sports car, the Roadster, which it says is capable of hovering and performing aerobatic maneuvers, as well as accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (approximately 97 km/h) in 0.81 seconds, using rocket technology developed by SpaceX.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk showcased the new car at an event held Thursday at SpaceX's rocket development and testing facility in McGregor, Texas, announcing that production is targeted to begin in 2028.
A video posted by Musk on the X platform showed a futuristic white car rising into the air amidst thick clouds of white smoke, before performing a rollover over several parked cars and landing on the ground. Musk commented on the video, saying, "It turns out the future does indeed include flying cars."
During the event, Musk stated that the car is equipped with altitude control systems and rocket propulsion, including main thrusters at the rear, enabling it to move through the air like a rocket and perform complex aerobatic maneuvers. However, he acknowledged that the car is not necessarily designed for the highest safety standards, emphasizing that it offers an exceptional driving experience in terms of excitement and performance.
Despite the impressive capabilities showcased, Musk previously downplayed the project's financial significance for Tesla, describing the 2023 model as having a limited impact on the company's financial results. Nevertheless, the car holds symbolic and strategic importance for Tesla, which seeks to offer a high-performance sports car that demonstrates its engineering and technological prowess.
The unveiling of the new Roadster comes at a time when Tesla is increasingly refocusing its attention on autonomous driving technologies powered by artificial intelligence and robotics, rather than solely concentrating on manufacturing traditional cars for human drivers.
It is worth noting that Tesla unveiled a prototype of the car in 2017, and announced at the time that deliveries would begin in 2020, but those plans have been postponed 8 times since the prototype was shown.
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