Does Tesla need a flying supercar or an affordable electric car?
The information about Tesla’s new Roadster model is astonishing: sharp acceleration using compressed air, short aerial maneuvers, and reaching 97 kilometers per hour in less than a second. However, Naked Science's analysis poses another question: can the expensive supercar solve the company's competition problem in the mass electric vehicle market?
Does Tesla need a flying supercar or an affordable electric vehicle?
According to the publication, the most unusual capabilities of the new Roadster, presented on October 15, 2026, depend on a compressed air system. Air in high-pressure cylinders is released through nozzles located at the rear, front, and bottom of the car.
The article states that this system allows the car to perform maneuvers such as lifting into the air for a short time and hovering. This refers to short aerial maneuvers, not flying long distances like an airplane.
It is also described that fans under the car suck in air to increase its downforce. This solution is aimed at improving tire grip on the road during turns.
According to the figures provided in the article, the Roadster's engines will have a power output of one megawatt, a battery capacity of 150 kilowatt-hours, and charging from 15% to 85% will take 10 minutes. The range on a single charge is specified as at least 480 kilometers, and the top speed is over 370 kilometers per hour.
The figure that drew the most attention is acceleration from zero to 97 kilometers per hour in 0.81 seconds. For the Rocket version, a figure of 0.59 seconds is given. These numbers are statements in the article and cannot be equated with the results of a production car confirmed in independent tests.
Such acceleration also increases the load on the driver. In the text, its amount is calculated to be approximately 3.4 g in the standard version and 4.6 g in the Rocket. Therefore, utilizing the car's maximum capabilities may require special training from the driver.
Serial production is said to be planned for 2028. However, issues of price and road legality remain important. The previously mentioned starting price of $250,000 has not been confirmed as the final price.