The new Tesla Roadster promises a rather unusual choice: two seats for the road, thrusters for the circuit or a single seat for leaving the ground.
For British buyers, though, there’s a more familiar compromise. Tesla’s UK website lists it as left-hand drive only. Tesla United Kingdom
That’s a useful detail among the airborne demonstrations and acceleration claims.
This remains a car awaiting production, with Elon Musk targeting 2028 rather than announcing an immediate arrival in showrooms.
Three versions, very different uses
Performance is the starting point. Tesla describes it as a two-seater intended for road use, combining active aerodynamics with a suction system that helps generate downforce.
Thrust adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters. Tesla claims these can help it reach 60mph in under a second, although that remains a manufacturer claim rather than an independently verified result.
The invitation-only Rocket takes things further. It has one seat and thrusters positioned around the car to provide upward and forward thrust, as well as rotational movement.
Tesla says it can fly and explicitly states that it is not approved for public-road use.
Those distinctions matter. The airborne version isn’t simply the road car with a particularly adventurous driving mode.
What the fans actually do
Tesla’s suction system draws air from beneath the car, while a sealing arrangement helps maintain the pressure difference.
The company says it can generate enough suction to hold the Roadster upside down, even without forward movement.
The useful part is what that could mean with the wheels pointing downwards.
Generating downforce at low speeds could help the tyres transmit more force during acceleration and cornering.
The thrusters perform a separate job, providing thrust rather than relying entirely on the tyres to propel the car.
Neither system makes the Roadster exempt from physics; they change how it uses the available forces.
Production is still ahead
Reuters reports that Tesla unveiled the redesigned Roadster on 15 October, with production planned for 2028. A production target is still some distance from a confirmed customer delivery date.
For UK readers, Tesla’s stated left-hand-drive configuration and region-dependent availability deserve as much attention as the launch spectacle.
Before planning a place in the garage, establish which version is available and what it can legally be used for.
The passenger-seat count is also worth checking before offering anyone a lift.
