# Tesla Unveils New Roadster Featuring SpaceX Cold-Gas Thruster Technology The prototype demonstrates aerial maneuvers and sub-one-second acceleration at a Texas test site. - **Source:** [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/) - **Published:** 2026-10-16 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4f9c483f-7729-419d-a6b2-a2bd8fcbbebb ## Prototype Demonstration in Texas Tesla showcased a new Roadster prototype at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas. The vehicle performed maneuvers including aerial corkscrews and upside-down driving. Elon Musk emphasized that the demonstration was conducted at a safe distance from the audience to mitigate risks associated with the experimental cold-gas thruster technology being tested. ## SpaceX Cold-Gas Thruster Integration The vehicle utilizes an advanced ultra-high pressure air tank to power SpaceX-designed cold-gas thrusters. These thrusters deliver 80 kilonewtons of thrust without requiring separate fuel. During the live test, the prototype achieved 0-60 mph acceleration in 0.81 seconds, utilizing compressed air to generate significant force for its high-performance aerial capabilities. ## Advanced Attitude Control Systems Equipped with main rear thrusters and attitude control thrusters, the Roadster is designed to function similarly to a rocket. Musk stated that suction fans generate over 2 Gs of cornering grip, allowing the car to maintain stability while driving upside down. These features are intended to significantly outperform existing track records. ## Regulatory and Safety Challenges The Federal Aviation Administration classifies any vehicle rising off the ground as an aircraft, potentially restricting the Roadster's thruster usage to pre-approved zones. Tesla faces a history of conflicts with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, raising questions about the legality and practical safety of deploying such extreme aerial features in public. ## Production Timeline and Configurations Tesla announced that the new Roadster is scheduled to enter production in 2028. The vehicle will be available in three distinct configurations: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. Only the Rocket trim includes the specific thrusters required for vertical axis movement, representing the most advanced iteration of the company's long-delayed sports car project. ## Historical Context of Reveals This reveal follows a decade of deposit collection and previous marketing stunts, including the 2018 launch of a mannequin into space. The event was considered a make-or-break moment following the 2019 Cybertruck demo, where window durability failed. Tesla aims to restore confidence in its engineering capabilities through these high-stakes, live-action prototype demonstrations. ## Practicality and Human Factors While the thrusters enable impressive maneuvers, their practical application remains uncertain due to noise levels and potential physical strain on occupants. Musk acknowledged that G-forces could reach levels dangerous to human health, such as retinal detachment. The car is intended to be the only manually driven model in Tesla's future lineup. ## Strategic Implications for Tesla The collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX highlights a shift toward integrating aerospace technology into consumer automotive products. By focusing on extreme performance metrics, the company attempts to differentiate its brand. However, the lack of a formal spec sheet or pricing leaves the long-term market viability of this ambitious vehicle currently unconfirmed. ## Sources covering this story - https://gizmodo.com/teslas-new-roadster-can-somehow-do-corkscrews-in-the-air-without-exploding-yet-2000826761 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._