Yes you read that right. Elon Musk has confirmed that the Tesla Roadster will get 10 small rocket thrusters as part of a SpaceX option package that will improve its acceleration, top speed, braking and cornering ability.
The small rocket thrusters will be positioned around the new Tesla Roadster and Elon Musk has confirmed that the “gas contained would be ultra high pressure air in a SpaceX rocket COPV bottle.”
SpaceX option package for new Tesla Roadster will include ~10 small rocket thrusters arranged seamlessly around car. These rocket engines dramatically improve acceleration, top speed, braking & cornering. Maybe they will even allow a Tesla to fly …
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 9, 2018
Musk also elaborated about how the rockets will be able to refuel themselves.
Note, gas contained would be ultra high pressure air in a SpaceX rocket COPV bottle. The air exiting the thrusters would immediately be replenished whenever vehicle pack power draw allowed operation of the air pump, which is most of the time.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 10, 2018
If you need a refresher, the Tesla Roadster is slated to arrive in 2020 with a driving range around 620 miles. The Tesla Roadster will also reach 60 mph in 1.9 seconds thanks to its three electric motors. Pricing for the Tesla Roadster starts at $200,000, but a Founders Edition is available at $250,000.
Source: Twitter
