OMM Newsroom
“Tesla” unveiled a thruster-equipped “Roadster” in Texas on Thursday, with Chief Executive Elon Musk saying the company is targeting a 2028 release after nearly a decade of delays, according to media reports.
Musk presented the vehicle at “SpaceX”’s facility in McGregor, about 200 miles (354 kilometers) northwest of Houston.
The event attracted “Tesla” enthusiasts, including customers who paid $250,000 deposits nine years ago to reserve the vehicle.
Observers said the “Roadster” performed several unusual maneuvers, including driving upside down, jumping over five “Tesla” cars lined up side by side and completing a midair barrel roll with the help of “SpaceX” thrusters.
Questions remain over whether the vehicle will be legal to drive on public roads. Musk told the crowd it would be an actual car for road use, then qualified his comments, saying its viability would depend on the street and that it might not be legal in every jurisdiction.
“There will be such a car that someone can own,” he said.
Automotive industry experts said that distinction matters: electric vehicles with similar systems can be bought for use on private tracks, but making one legal for public roads presents a separate challenge.
“Tesla” said the “Roadster” could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96.6 kph) in one second with its thrusters engaged and reach a top speed of 230 mph (370 kph).
Although early buyers paid $250,000, the company has not announced pricing for the planned 2028 release. It also did not disclose the new model’s battery capacity.
The current model has a reported range of 620 miles (998 kilometers) on a full charge.
