New Tesla Roadster unveiled as a flying car with Cybertruck-inspired looks

Tesla has unveiled its highly anticipated second-generation Roadster at a SpaceX facility in Texas, USA.

Unveiled during a livestreamed event hosted by Elon Musk, this second-generation Roadster arrives more than twenty years after the original.

It also arrives nine years after the second-generation Roadster concept was unveiled.

While the original concept used Tesla’s design language from its early days, it’s clear that this new Roadster has been inspired by the Cybertruck.

Aside from the new looks, the other big story is the suction system that increases traction through the use of rocket boosters.

The rockets are also able to increase on-road performance, allowing it to hit 100km/h in a demonstrated 0.8-seconds.

“It’s going to crush every track record that has ever existed,” said Elon Musk when talking about the suction system.

While ground effect traction through fans is nothing new, the thrusters are also able to launch the Roadster into the air, and “fly”.

During the livestream, the Roadster demonstrated this by kickflipping Tesla’s electric semi truck.

Full details of what powers this new Roadster are yet to be revealed, but Musk promises it to be “the last good driver’s car.”

It’s likely to use a tri-motor system, paired with the rocket thrusters, allowing for blistering performance.

As for the steering, Musk confirmed it uses a steer-by-wire system, which is present on the Model S Plaid.

Despite the fanfare around this unveiling, Musk is yet to put a concrete launch date on this new Roadster. He mentioned the brand is targeting a 2028 launch, but it remains to be seen as to whether or not this is met.