Tesla’s new generation Roadster is set to go faster than ever before with three variations of the model – Performance, Thrust and Rocket. Each configuration promises different levels of performance, from being a high-end electric sports car on the tarmac, to boosting acceleration and enabling experimental aerial manoeuvres. While all variations are set to utilise aerodynamics, improved grip and electricity, the configurations differ in terms of seat layout, boosting mechanisms and the claimed acceleration performance.
Performance is the entry-level configuration for Tesla’s new Roadster line. It is a two-seat electric vehicle that promises active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system to improve handling and adhesion on the road and on the track. Tesla promises a 0-60 mph speed of less than 1.6 seconds with a driving range of over 300 miles. Performance sets the benchmark for the Roadster as an electric performance car without the complications of the more powerful versions. It is the most accessible of the three variations in terms of price and complexity.
Thrust, meanwhile, builds upon the Performance configuration with the addition of rear-mounted cold gas thrusters. They are intended to provide additional thrust to make the Roadster faster than any other electric vehicle on the road. Combined with the multi-mode suction system, the cold-gas thrusters will provide an additional power boost that will enable the car to accelerate beyond the limits of conventional electric performance cars. Tesla promises a 0-60 mph speed of under 0.9 seconds. Thrust retains the two-seat configuration of Performance but has a more performance-focused brief with equally demanding acceleration claims. Whether the promised performance will be delivered when the car is unveiled in 2028 remains to be seen.
Finally, the top-spec Rocket configuration sees Tesla promise an almost unbelievable set of performance figures. Rocket ditches the two-seat configuration in favour of a single-seat layout and mounts the cold-gas thrusters at the periphery of the car. They are promised to provide enough thrust to propel the car forward, provide lift from the tarmac and roll the vehicle along its side to enable experimental aerial manoeuvres. Tesla promises a 0-60 mph speed of under 0.59 seconds and a top speed of over 230 mph. If the claims are to be believed, Rocket would redefine the parameters of an electric performance car. Its ability to fly – or at least float – is sure to draw the most criticism, but Tesla is expected to unveil additional detail in due course.
The cold-gas thrusters are a key difference between the three variations, but they are also the most questionable enhancement. They work on a principle similar to conventional rocketry, but instead of burning fuel to expel hot gas at the rear to provide thrust, cold-gas thrusters vent cold gas from the tail to propel the vehicle. The effectiveness of this technology is largely down to the pressure and the capacity of the gas tank and the design of the vehicle. In reality, it would take a large amount of gas to push a car forward and upwards quickly enough to enable it to leave the road. Tesla claims that the Roadsters will have a range of more than 300 miles, but the figures may vary between the configurations. Likewise, the performance figures would only be possible on a straight line during a short sprint. Regardless of the variation selected, it is unlikely that the Roadster will match the performance of a modern supercar on a challenging road course. The claims from Tesla are undeniably impressive, but they remain just that – claims. The firm has promised more power, range and performance from its upcoming Roadster, but the figures should be treated with healthy suspicion. It will be interesting to see what modifications are made to the car ahead of its 2028 launch and whether any compromises have to be made in power, range, weight or technology.