When Tesla revealed its next-generation Roadster in 2017, the company promised performance numbers that seemed impossible. The electric car maker claimed the new Roadster would accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds and reach speeds over 250 mph. These targets would make it faster than any production car in the world.
Tesla’s ambitions for the Roadster have grown even bolder since then. The company now says a version with SpaceX rocket thrusters could hit 60 mph in only 1.1 seconds. Elon Musk has even mentioned a goal of sub-one-second acceleration by 2024. The quarter-mile time is projected at 8.8 seconds, beating most 2019 supercars.
SpaceX rocket thrusters could propel Tesla’s Roadster to 60 mph in just 1.1 seconds, with sub-one-second acceleration targeted by 2024.
The Roadster’s design includes a four-seat layout with a removable glass roof that can be stored in the trunk. While marketed as a four-seater, it’s really a 2+2 configuration with limited rear seat access. The car uses advanced lithium-ion battery technology and produces 10,000 Nm of wheel torque. The vehicle will feature three electric motors providing all-wheel drive and torque vectoring capabilities.
This isn’t Tesla’s first Roadster. The original 2008 model proved electric cars could be fast and practical. It reached 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and had a 244-mile range. That first-generation Roadster was based on the Lotus Elise chassis and became the first highway-legal all-electric car to use lithium-ion battery cells. That first Roadster helped pave the way for mainstream electric vehicle adoption.
The new Roadster seeks to beat traditional supercars from Ferrari and Porsche in acceleration. Its projected top speed would exceed even the Koenigsegg Agera RS. Tesla plans to offer the base model at a lower price than many exotic cars while providing better performance.
Production was initially planned for Tesla’s Texas Gigafactory, where the company also builds the Cybertruck and Semi. However, the timeline remains unclear due to production challenges. The SpaceX package with rocket thrusters might be offered as an optional upgrade.
Early prototypes have shown impressive results, reaching 100 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Tesla also suggests owners could receive performance improvements through software updates after purchase. If Tesla fulfills on these promises, the Roadster could redefine what’s possible in the supercar segment. With Tesla’s electric powertrains designed for extreme durability, the drive units could potentially last over one million miles.