Tesla Roadster: Elon Musk Says It Might Actually Fly

The Tesla Roadster Could Finally Take Off

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[{"selector":"#anim-7cf6081b-ce39-45d7-bc98-f8b4d4c392a6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] – 0–60 mph in 1.9 second – Over 250 mph top speed – 620-mile range – Price: $200,000

[{"selector":"#anim-3e255529-e344-44fd-bae4-a7b7b1adabea [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.833089055992269%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Production was planned for 2020. Then came 2021, 2022, 2023… and still no Roadster.

[{"selector":"#anim-f9503771-6e81-4ca7-8b16-a473f9e92ef5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Tesla has started hiring engineers for a new “Roadster battery,” signaling that development isn’t dead yet.

In a podcast with Joe Rogan, Musk said the Roadster will have “crazy, crazy technology” — even crazier than James Bond.

Musk teased that the car might actually “hover” or perform short lifts using rocket-style thrusters.

[{"selector":"#anim-a6bb2105-cc04-4736-b92d-92663a76c9cd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(35.937499914669296%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] The optional SpaceX package could include cold-air thrusters to boost acceleration and possibly lift the car slightly.

[{"selector":"#anim-548e958d-f81a-47d3-a3af-8591418ff6e1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-62.55580318901859%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Experts say a true flying car is unlikely — the Roadster may just hover for seconds using fan-based lift systems.

[{"selector":"#anim-c6054719-fd59-4c91-8f88-7bfcb6fa0702 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-10.624999761074031%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Musk says the Tesla Roadster demo will happen by the end of the year. Will it fly or just wow onlookers?

[{"selector":"#anim-63dd575d-db4d-4a2d-8995-4ce654c08369 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.412946404898683%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] After years of waiting, fans are ready to see if Musk’s boldest EV will finally become reality. Follow for updates on Tesla Roadster news and EV breakthroughs.