❯ Tesla unveils the next-generation Roadster, with the fastest version using cold-gas thrusters to hit 60 mph in under 0.59 seconds

Thrusters that make it jumpTesla unveiled its next-generation Roadster on the evening of October 15 in Texas. According to Electrek, the car has been “cyberfied” and fitted with cold-gas thrusters that let it jump and flip. The livestream featured impressive stunts but still no price or production date.

Three versionsAfter the event Tesla posted three configurations on X: the road-ready Performance does 0-60 mph in under 1.6 seconds; the race-ready Thrust adds rear cold-gas thrusters for under 0.9 seconds; and the single-seat Rocket, with thrusters around the car, does under 0.59 seconds with a top speed above 230 mph and is not approved for public roads. Tesla quotes range above 300 miles and says the thrusters were developed with SpaceX.

Nine years lateTesla first showed the car as a prototype in November 2017 and promised production in 2020, followed by repeated delays, including several postponements of the reveal this year alone. Electrek notes the range promise is roughly half what was claimed nine years ago and two seats are gone, while Tesla collected deposits of $50,000 to $250,000 from customers back then.

▮ SIGNALA sports car with no price or production date was staged as a technology show, displaying less a car than the engineering Tesla and SpaceX can share.