Tesla intends to start production of the flying Roadster in 2028.

Tesla has unveiled a new generation of the Roadster electric sports car, which has been under development for nine years since the concept premiered in 2017. At the presentation in the USA, a prototype with active aerodynamics, a suction system to the road surface and SpaceX rocket boosters was presented. The company plans to start production of the car in 2028, but the technical specifications of the production version and prices have not yet been disclosed, Car and Driver said on October 16.

At the presentation, the prototype demonstrated an unusual trick — a "kickflip": the car rose up an inclined structure, turned over in the air and landed. For this, SpaceX boosters with a thrust of more than 80 kN were used. They run on compressed air from ultra-high pressure cylinders, which, according to Tesla representatives, the car is capable of charging on its own. It is possible that in many countries this version of the Roadster will not be allowed to operate on public roads.

Tesla will offer the Roadster in three versions — Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The basic version of the Performance will receive two seats, an active rear wing and a vacuum system under the bottom, which should increase traction. The Thrust variant will additionally receive rear-mounted compressed gas boosters. The top-end Rocket has aerodynamic elements and boosters with additional engines around the perimeter of the body. According to Tesla, such a system will allow the car not only to accelerate forward, but also to rise up and make lateral rotations. In this version, there is only one driver's seat.

The road suction system will operate in two modes. At low speed, it should increase the car's grip on the surface, improving wheel grip. At high speeds, a mode is provided with the opening of the front and rear channels to enhance the air flow under the bottom. The active rear wing will also receive two positions — to increase aerodynamic drag or downforce — and will be able to automatically change the angle of inclination.

The Tesla Roadster is capable of accelerating to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in 0.8 seconds. The claimed top speed exceeds 370 km/ h, and Tesla intends to reach half the speed of sound in the future — 383 miles per hour (616 km/ h).

In the cabin shown during the broadcast, two armchairs, a steering wheel and a large horizontal screen are visible. The doors open upward in a butterfly-wing fashion. The exterior of the car, according to Tesla, is inspired by aviation technology, including the SR-71 Blackbird and F-35 aircraft. The wedge-shaped silhouette also resembles the Lotus Esprit from the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. The company has not yet announced details about the battery, electric motor power, power reserve and cost of the serial Roadster.

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