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How does the new Tesla Roadster fly? Tesla’s engineering boss explains
YouTube ^ | 10/16/2026 | Hagerty

Posted on 10/16/2026 5:54:20 AM PDT by SmokingJoe

This video features an in-depth look at the new *Tesla Roadster* by motoring journalist *Henry Catchpole* and *Lars Moravy*, Tesla's Vice President of Vehicle Engineering. The car is described as an extraordinary hypercar that aims to transcend standard electric vehicle performance through unique engineering and aerospace-inspired features.

**Key Engineering and Design Features:**

* **Powertrain and Performance:** The *Roadster* uses two high-performance motors driving the rear wheels, producing over a megawatt of power and 1400 Nm of torque (2:41-3:13). It features a unique 4680 battery cell design with double-sided cooling for consistent high-performance track driving (3:26-4:03).

* **Active Aerodynamics:** The car incorporates advanced movable body panels, including an active wing, front wings, and barge boards to optimize downforce and reduce drag (9:50-12:02). It also utilizes a "sucker" fan system—inspired by ground-effect vehicles—to generate downforce even at low speeds (13:11-14:15).

**SpaceX Package:** The most extreme versions of the car (Thrust and Rocket models) incorporate *Cold Gas Thrusters* (CGTs) fed by compressed nitrogen tanks to achieve record-breaking acceleration, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of just 0.55 seconds (15:33-16:18, 17:28-18:03).

* **Technology Integration:** Tesla utilized leg actuators from their *Optimus* robot program to manage the heavy forces exerted on the active aero surfaces and the thruster valves (14:52-14:58, 22:24-22:30).

**Model Variants:**

* **Performance Model:** Focuses on track-focused aerodynamics with fans and skirts (16:44-16:56). * **Thrust Model:** Adds the 200-liter nitrogen tank and CGTs for enhanced acceleration (15:33, 17:01-17:15). * **Rocket/Flight Model:** Adds a further 400-liter tank and additional thrusters, providing the capability for the car to "leave the ground" (17:28-17:58).

The video concludes with *Catchpole* expressing his amazement and skepticism regarding how such a highly advanced and unconventional vehicle will be brought to market (26:16-27:00).

(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...


TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: elonmusk; musk; roadster; spacex; tesla

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1 posted on 10/16/2026 5:54:20 AM PDT by SmokingJoe
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To: SmokingJoe

https://x.com/Kalshi/status/2110906114602635463

Wow.


2 posted on 10/16/2026 6:09:43 AM PDT by cuz1961
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To: SmokingJoe
I Attended the Tesla Roadster Reveal - Not What I Expected

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_o3s9UlvDQ

3 posted on 10/16/2026 6:11:47 AM PDT by SmokingJoe
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To: cuz1961

https://x.com/Tesla/status/2110913438293647789

.


4 posted on 10/16/2026 6:11:50 AM PDT by cuz1961
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To: SmokingJoe

Amazing. Thanks for posting.


5 posted on 10/16/2026 6:13:40 AM PDT by PGalt (Past Peak Civilization?)
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To: cuz1961
Wow.

The Batman and the Joker have both put down deposits on the vehicle.

6 posted on 10/16/2026 6:17:45 AM PDT by Sirius Lee ("Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.)
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To: SmokingJoe
BREAKING NEWS: TESLA HAS A FLYING CAR?! 😱 My Reaction!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgNv3MR_VJ0

7 posted on 10/16/2026 6:30:33 AM PDT by SmokingJoe
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To: SmokingJoe

Ca4 chase scenes in movies is sure gonna change a lot lol


8 posted on 10/16/2026 6:42:52 AM PDT by Bob434 (Time flies like an arrow, Fruit flies like a banana)
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To: Bob434

Steve McQueen ‘s epic car chase will —almost— pale in comparison! (Still one of the best chase scenes!)


9 posted on 10/16/2026 6:43:58 AM PDT by Bob434 (Time flies like an arrow, Fruit flies like a banana)
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To: SmokingJoe

Tesla is famous for super hype marketing.

Meanwhile, the long-promoted Robotaxi has proven to be a dud.


10 posted on 10/16/2026 6:49:18 AM PDT by Miami Rebel (RE)
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_o3s9UlvDQ&t=667


11 posted on 10/16/2026 6:50:54 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (TDS -- it's not just for DNC shills and jihadists anymore -- oh, wait, yeah it is.)
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To: SmokingJoe
I saw the video last night. I couldn’t believe it was actually hanging upside down. My first tought was “Nice try, Elon, but you’re not fooling me”.

Then they ran it up the ramp again, it did the midair twist and fired the rockets, and my jaw fell open, lol. Amazing…

12 posted on 10/16/2026 6:52:59 AM PDT by telescope115 (Ad Astra, Ad Deum…)
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To: AdmSmith; AnonymousConservative; Arthur Wildfire! March; Berosus; Bockscar; BraveMan; cardinal4; ...
Better to have and not need than to need and not have. 😁

13 posted on 10/16/2026 6:54:29 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (TDS -- it's not just for DNC shills and jihadists anymore -- oh, wait, yeah it is.)
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To: telescope115

Yep.
Staggering!


14 posted on 10/16/2026 6:55:55 AM PDT by SmokingJoe
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To: Sirius Lee
The Batman and the Joker have both put down deposits on the vehicle.

And Michael Knight is getting ready to replace Kitt.
15 posted on 10/16/2026 6:58:24 AM PDT by Dr. Sivana ("Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye." (John 2:5))
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To: SmokingJoe
My guess is most of the add-on packages will be or are already regulated out of existence for a motor vehicle registered to drive on public roads.

Not to mention insurance, lol.

16 posted on 10/16/2026 6:58:56 AM PDT by pierrem15 ("Massacrez-les, car le seigneur connait les siens" )
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To: Miami Rebel
“Meanwhile, the long-promoted Robotaxi has proven to be a dud.”

Nope.
Its doing great, together with the Cybercab.

17 posted on 10/16/2026 6:59:40 AM PDT by SmokingJoe
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To: pierrem15
” My guess is most of the add-on packages will be or are already regulated out of existence for a motor vehicle registered to drive on public roads.”

Nope.
Tesla's sold over 10 million EVs all over the world.
Musk knows about car regulations.

“Not to mention insurance, lol.”

If you are worried about insurance costs, you cannot afford the new Roadster.
Its for the rich.
Just go buy a Model Y.

18 posted on 10/16/2026 7:07:08 AM PDT by SmokingJoe
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To: pierrem15

I can’t imagine what that baby’s gonna cost….


19 posted on 10/16/2026 7:09:21 AM PDT by telescope115 (Ad Astra, Ad Deum…)
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To: pierrem15

I can’t imagine what that baby’s gonna cost….


20 posted on 10/16/2026 7:09:31 AM PDT by telescope115 (Ad Astra, Ad Deum…)
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