Tesla unveils the thruster-equipped second-generation Roadster

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Tesla has finally unveiled the redesigned second generation Roadster, first shown back in 2017. TechCrunch's Sean O'Kane reports from the event near Waco, Texas. Elon Musk called it the best of the last of the human driven cars, which is a striking way to describe a sports car from a company focused on self driving

The demonstrations were dramatic. The car used fans and cold gas thrusters to drive up an inverted ramp, spin and hop over other Tesla vehicles. It is the kind of spectacle that Tesla events are known for, and it certainly got people talking

Tesla's performance claims are bold. It says the Roadster can go from 0 to 60mph in one second, has 300 miles of range, and has a top speed of more than 230mph across all trims. These are company claims, and independent testing will be needed to confirm them

There are three trims. The Performance model requires a $50,000 reservation. The Thrust trim costs $250,000 and claims a 0 to 60mph time under one second. The invite only, single seat Rocket has 10 thrusters fed by 600 litres of compressed air. No base price was given, and production is due in 2028

The Roadster has been delayed many times since its original 2020 target, so seeing it at last will please people who reserved one years ago. Whether the thruster technology makes it into regular production cars remains to be seen. Either way, it is one of the most outlandish cars ever revealed

Would you want a car with thrusters? And do you believe the one second 0 to 60 claim?

Tesla reveals SpaceX-powered Roadster that flies and falls with style | TechCrunchtechcrunch.com