Tesla shows off Roadster ‘kickflip’ over vehicle lineup in crazy new POV video

Tesla has released a point-of-view video from the next-generation Roadster’s October 15 unveiling showing the uncrewed prototype firing cold-gas thrusters, lifting off, and completing a full inverted barrel roll over a staged lineup of company vehicles. According to Teslarati, the clip reveals never-before-seen angles captured directly from the car as it launches, rotates, and lands gently on thruster vapor at SpaceX’s McGregor, Texas test site, where all runs were autonomous for safety.

The Roadster uses an underbody suction-fan system to climb and lock upside down on a ramp, generating multiple Gs of downforce before releasing for the mid-air rotation that engineering chief Lars Moravy dubbed the “kickflip.” The thrusters rely on high-pressure compressed air and fast electric actuators, hardware intended for production Thrust and Rocket trims. First teased in 2017, the second-generation Roadster has been delayed repeatedly; Musk has indicated a 2028 production target and plans a dedicated Texas test track for future owners to experience the maneuvers.

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Tesla shows off Roadster ‘kickflip’ over vehicle lineup in crazy new POV video — Teslarati