Tesla’s 2028 Roadster will merge supercar speed with controlled flight, though it will never qualify as road-legal in any market. Originally teased nearly a decade ago, the vehicle has undergone a full redesign and will launch in three distinct versions: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. Each model will redefine acceleration, aerodynamics, and vertical movement capabilities.
Tesla has set an initial production target for 2028, though the company has stressed that delivery schedules remain unpredictable. Its Canadian reservation page currently lists the three variants, though availability depends on both region and configuration. The Performance model, a two-seater, features a rear-wheel-drive dual-motor system generating up to 1,500 horsepower and a claimed curb weight of 1,700 kilograms. Its battery, constructed from Tesla’s 4680 cells, delivers an estimated 480-kilometer range and 10- to 12-minute charging between 10% and 80% capacity.
The Performance trim incorporates active aerodynamic systems, including powered fans that create downforce even when stationary. During a launch demonstration, the prototype drove inverted along a specially designed track, proving the system’s ability to maintain contact with the surface. This model also includes adjustable suspension and active rear wings to optimize traction, achieving a 0-to-60 mph time under 1.6 seconds—faster than earlier estimates had indicated.
Thrust and Rocket push speed limits
The Thrust variant introduces rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, enabling it to reach 60 mph in less than 0.81 seconds. Earlier specifications described a high-pressure nitrogen tank powering up to four thrusters, capable of propelling the vehicle to a top speed of 383 mph (616 km/h). The Rocket trim takes extremism further as a single-seater, with thrusters arranged around the chassis for upward, forward, and rotational movement. Tesla claims this version can hit 60 mph in under 0.6 seconds and execute aerial stunts like kickflips. Unlike the other models, the Rocket is explicitly not road-legal and may not be offered in all markets.
Reservations are currently open for the Performance and Thrust models, requiring deposits of CAD$70,000 and CAD$350,000, respectively. The Rocket remains invitation-only, with no confirmed pricing or delivery details. Tesla’s website inconsistently categorizes the variants—sometimes listing Thrust and Rocket as trims, other times as optional packages.
Engineering choices behind the Roadster’s design
The Roadster’s powertrain relies on a new platform with a dual-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration. Inside, the cabin features a central touchscreen, two auxiliary driver-facing displays, and a yoke-style steer-by-wire steering wheel. Weight reduction is achieved through materials such as magnesium, titanium, and carbon fiber, along with fixed seating and manual adjustments.
A key distinction from past Tesla projects is the Roadster’s Rocket trim, which is explicitly excluded from public road use. This approach mirrors regulatory hurdles faced by earlier experimental vehicles, such as the 2007 Transition, which combined automotive and aeronautical features but never secured certification. By labeling the Rocket as non-road-legal, Tesla avoids legal complications but may limit its commercial appeal.
The Roadster’s other configurations prioritize ground-based performance. The Thrust variant’s sub-one-second acceleration reflects Tesla’s pattern of mechanical innovation, though practical advantages like efficiency or daily drivability remain secondary. The Performance model’s downforce system, while new, may offer limited real-world benefits beyond track use, where its 1.6-second 0-to-60 mph time would place it among hypercars like the Rimac Nevera.
