Tesla lists three versions of its next-generation Roadster: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. They differ in seats, thrusters and claimed 0 to 60 mph times, which run from under 1.6 seconds to under 0.59 seconds. All of the numbers are Tesla’s claims, and no version has been tested by an independent party.
The three trims
Performance has two seats. Tesla says it includes the fan-based suction system, active wings and a Track Mode that lowers the ride height. The claimed 0 to 60 mph time is under 1.6 seconds, and it is sold by reservation.
Thrust also has two seats and adds cold-gas thrusters at the rear. Tesla calls it race ready and claims 0 to 60 mph in under 0.9 seconds. It is a limited release.
Rocket has one seat and thrusters around the edge of the car for forward, upward and sideways movement. Tesla says it can fly. It claims 0 to 60 mph in under 0.59 seconds and a top speed above 230 mph.
Who can get which
The reservation payments listed are $50,000 for Performance and $250,000 for Thrust. Rocket is invite only, is not offered in every region and has no price listed. Tesla cites a range of more than 300 miles. These are reservation payments, not final prices.
A 0 to 60 run shown at Thursday’s event was put at about one second, and the accounts we read do not say which version made it. The full run-down of that night is in Tesla Roadster Flips Off a Ramp and Lands in Its Unveil Demo.
Our take: the quickest times belong to the versions that are hardest to get. The accounts we read give no battery size, motor power or weight for any version, and no final price, so the claimed times are still marketing numbers. Money and dates are covered in Tesla Roadster Reservations Open but Final Prices Are Not Set.
