Tesla Inc is working with SpaceX to develop its upcoming Roadster vehicle, according to senior executive Lars Moravy. This collaboration is expected to provide a significant performance boost to the vehicle.
Background
Moravy mentioned in a recent interview that the company convened a meeting about the Roadster just two days before the interview, and they are indeed working with SpaceX on the project. The Roadster is a tribute to Tesla’s first EV, the limited-production original Roadster produced between 2008 and 2012.
Performance Boost
The new Roadster is expected to have a significant performance boost, with the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 1 second. This is made possible by the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, which will provide cold gas thrusters that add a new level of performance to the vehicle. As Moravy said, “Cold gas thrusters are super cool and they add a certain level of, you know, breaking the laws of motor physics.”
Production Timeline
Tesla intends to start production of the new Roadster in 2025. The production timeline for the vehicle has been pushed several times since it was first announced in 2017. The vehicle was initially expected to be available in 2020, priced around $200,000.
Comparison to Other Vehicles
The Tesla Roadster’s performance will surpass that of Tesla’s fastest vehicle in production, the Model S Plaid, which can accelerate to 60 mph in about 2 seconds. Elon Musk has previously stated that the Roadster’s performance will be significantly better than the Model S Plaid, saying that making the new Roadster only as fast as the Model S Plaid would be “ridiculous”.
Financial Impact
Musk has warned that the upcoming Roadster will not have a significant impact on Tesla’s financials. He described it as a “small potato situation” that will not move the needle in a major way financially. Instead, it will be a niche product that will appeal to a specific group of customers.
Conclusion
The Tesla Roadster is an exciting project that promises to deliver exceptional performance and a unique driving experience. With the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, the vehicle is expected to be a game-changer in the automotive industry. While it may not have a significant impact on Tesla’s financials, it will be a showcase of the company’s innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.