Tesla Roadster: it flies, but its promises are shrinking!
- Published on 16/10/2026 9:01
- Modified on 16/10/2026 9:06
The new Tesla Roadster can take off. But behind the spectacle, the electric sports car changes its promise: fewer seats, a claimed range decline, and a targeted production in 2028.
This time, Elon Musk had a car to bounce, not just a date to push back. Unveiled in Texas during the night of October 15 to 16, the Tesla Roadster transformed the SpaceX site in McGregor into a stunt playground. Almost backward ramp climbing, jumps, spins: the demonstration was enough to wake up European spectators. It should be noted that these maneuvers were executed without a human driver.
A “vacuum” Roadster: we already mentioned it
The compressed air thrusters caught attention, but another technology deserves a look: the “vacuum” effect. Mobiwisy already discussed this idea over a year ago. Fans extract air under the car, creating a depression that presses it to the ground. The goal is to produce downforce at low speeds when traditional wings are less effective.
Tesla claims this suction can keep the Roadster upside down, even at a standstill. Thus, the two systems serve complementary functions: the suction holds the car to the track, while the thrusters allow it to pull away. It remains to measure their benefits and constraints during independent testing.
Three versions, down to one seat
Under its more angular silhouette, the Roadster abandons the four seats initially promised. The Performance variant retains two and claims under 1.6 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, about 97 km/h.
The Thrust adds rear thrusters and claims under 0.9 seconds. Finally, the Rocket, a single-seater available by invitation, promises less than 0.59 seconds and over 370 km/h. It is not approved for public road use.
Tesla presented a time of 0.81 seconds, still for the 0 to 60 mph. These announcements do not represent independently validated performances.
The claimed range now exceeds 300 miles, about 483 kilometers, down from nearly 1,000 kilometers promised in 2017. No confirmed WLTP value.
Prices and deliveries: still some patience needed
Final prices remain unknown. In the United States, reserving requires $50,000 for the Performance and $250,000 for the Thrust: deposits, not the prices of the cars.
Elon Musk aims for production in 2028, compared to 2020 initially. The Roadster now knows how to leap. It remains to reach the garage of its customers.
ALSO READ: Tesla Model Y: €3 per 100 km, but under what conditions?
You might be interestedin this article:
This page is translated from the original post "Tesla Roadster : il vole, mais ses promesses rétrécissent !" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
Recent articles
