Tesla demonstrates thruster-equipped Roadster at Texas reveal

Tesla demonstrated a thruster-equipped Roadster outside Waco, Texas, on Oct. 15, showing the long-delayed sports car maneuvering with fans and rear thrusters. The reveal showed what the vehicle could do at the event, while its reported acceleration remains unverified.

What Tesla showed at the Roadster reveal

TechCrunch reported that the car drove up an inverted ramp, spun around and landed on the pavement using high-powered fans and thrusters. It also reported that thrusters lifted the moving car over a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y and Model 3. Engadget described the displayed Roadster as a two-seater with steer-by-wire, rear thrusters and fans.

Roadster acceleration figures differ

TechCrunch reported that the event showed the Roadster going from zero to 60 miles per hour in one second. Engadget said a 0.81-second result was announced, but separately questioned whether the demonstration had been timed. Musk said Tesla expected to do better, according to Engadget. The accounts do not establish an independently measured acceleration result.

Years of delays for Roadster reservation holders

Tesla began taking $50,000 reservation deposits when it unveiled the second-generation Roadster in 2017, TechCrunch reported. It also offered a $250,000 Founders Series reservation option. Engadget said Tesla initially promised the updated car would be ready in 2020. The Oct. 15 reveal followed repeated delays, including the postponement of an Oct. 1, 2026, event because of severe weather, according to TechCrunch.

Musk did not expect the Roadster to contribute substantially to Tesla’s revenue, TechCrunch reported. The outlet also recalled his earlier statement that safety was not the car’s main goal. Engadget reported that Musk raised the possibility of the Roadster eventually becoming the only Tesla designed for manual driving. Tesla did not give a delivery date in the reported remarks.