Mash reports Tesla Roadster demonstration featuring midair flip in the US

At SpaceX’s test facility in McGregor, Texas, the Roadster jumped over parked cars, completing a full rotation in midair. The sports car landed gently on its wheels. During the demonstration, the car also drove upside down along a curved ramp.

Special nozzles control the Roadster’s orientation in the air by releasing compressed gas. Mash describes the flight hardware as compressed-air thrusters. Fans mounted beneath the car generate downforce, improve grip and keep the car on the ramp’s surface.

According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the additional thrusters will allow the Roadster to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than a second. Its claimed top speed is around 370 km/h.

Series production of the Roadster is planned for 2028. The first prototype was unveiled in 2017, although production was originally promised to begin in 2020. According to Mash, the new car will be Tesla’s last model with the option of manual driving.