Tesla demonstrated the second-generation Roadster in Texas on October 15, 2026, with an inverted-ramp run and brief airborne maneuvers. The two effects came from different systems: underbody suction for traction, and cold-gas thrusters for movement through the air. Wired’s account details the reported mechanisms, while Tesla’s event video documents the presentation.
What Tesla showed in Texas
The demonstration took place at SpaceX’s McGregor facility near Waco. Reports describe the Roadster driving along an inverted ramp, making short airborne movements, rotating and landing. The sequence was a public demonstration, not a production launch. Yahoo Autos’ event report also describes the maneuvers.
CNET’s English-language event highlights compile segments from the presentation, including the inverted-ramp and thruster demonstrations.
How the Roadster’s two systems differ
Wired reports that four 20-kilowatt fans and deployable skirts create suction beneath the car. That suction is described as providing traction, including for movement on an inverted ramp. Tesla engineering vice president Lars Moravy claimed the system could generate more than 2 g of cornering force, including below 50 mph.
The cold-gas thrusters have a separate role: brief airborne movement and control of the car’s orientation. Wired describes a two-seat configuration with a 200-liter pressure vessel and a single-seat flight configuration with an additional 400-liter vessel and six more thrusters. Moravy said thrust falls as the pressurized gas runs down. Wired reported a refill time of six to seven hours and said Tesla was working toward reducing it to 30 minutes.
These are reported descriptions of the proposed configurations and their operation. The two systems address different parts of the demonstration: suction holds the car against a surface; thrust produces short airborne maneuvers.
The reported production target
Tesla’s production target for the Roadster was reported as 2028. That is a future target, not a customer-delivery date. Yahoo Autos reported the target.
NeoTeo previously covered the Roadster presentation when it was scheduled for October 15. The demonstration has since taken place.
