Imminent Tesla Roadster model might struggle with poor traction on the highway

Imminent Tesla Roadster model might struggle with poor traction on the highway

Tesla's New Roadster: A Supercar with Race-Inspired Aerodynamics

Tesla's highly anticipated new Roadster is shaping up to be a technologically advanced supercar, boasting an innovative aerodynamic system that promises to revolutionise performance.

The vehicle development chief at Tesla, Lars Moravy, confirmed in July that work on the Roadster continues, with the company aiming to create a truly great, exciting, and ultimate driver's car. Moravy mentioned that they have been working on making the Roadster "better and better."

At the heart of the Roadster's aerodynamic innovation is a sophisticated internal airflow management system. This system leverages a ground-effect "fan car" design, using an internal air duct system to generate substantial downforce without the need for external fans or large wings. Air is taken in at the front, accelerated through a narrowed duct due to the Venturi effect, and expelled at the rear, creating a low-pressure zone underneath the car that pulls it toward the road to generate downforce. This system is combined with heat exchangers to cool the battery and drivetrain efficiently while minimising drag by eliminating the need for large external spoilers.

The benefits of this technology are far-reaching. The increased grip during extreme launches allows for possibly achieving unprecedented 0-60 mph times below one second by keeping the car firmly planted without wheel slip. Enhanced downforce improves tire contact and stability under heavy braking, reducing stopping distances and maintaining control. The additional downforce also improves traction and stability through high-speed corners, enabling the Roadster to achieve cornering speeds and handling performance beyond current production vehicles, particularly when combined with the SpaceX cold gas thruster package for extra lateral control.

Tesla's system also uses deployable skirts to form sealed zones under the vehicle, enabling controllable and adjustable downforce depending on speed and surface smoothness. Fans are used to evacuate air to create partial vacuum areas to further increase grip and stability without large drag penalties.

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, had previously announced an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.9 seconds for the new Roadster. Musk now aims for a time of under one second for the new Roadster's acceleration. The main thruster of the new Roadster will be located behind the license plate, and to accelerate, the license plate of the new Roadster will lower, revealing a rocket engine - a nod to the Roadster's space-age credentials, as the most powerful version of the new Roadster will feature thrusters from Musk's space company, SpaceX.

The new Roadster is expected to have a top speed exceeding 400 km/h and a range of 1,000 kilometers, thanks to a large 200-kWh battery pack. Pre-orders for the new Roadster are available for an immediate, refundable payment of 4,000 euros, with another 39,000 euros due within ten days. The expected cost of the new Roadster in the U.S. is around 200,000 dollars (approximately 171,600 euros), before taxes, but no official vehicle price for Europe has been announced yet.

Musk has teased an "absolutely epic demonstration" for this year, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates on this revolutionary electric supercar.

[1] Tesla's New Roadster to Feature SpaceX Thrusters [2] Tesla's New Roadster Aerodynamics Explained [3] Tesla's New Roadster: The Ultimate Driver's Car [4] Tesla's New Roadster: Aerodynamic System Details [5] Tesla's New Roadster: What We Know So Far

1. The upcoming Tesla Roadster will feature SpaceX thrusters in its design, enhancing its space-age credentials as Elon Musk's aim for a sub-one-second acceleration time is met.
2. The innovative aerodynamic system integrated into Tesla's new Roadster, employing an internal airflow management system and deployable skirts, aims to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency, potentially achieving unprecedented speeds and handling.
3. The Tesla Roadster, promising to be the ultimate driver's car, will provide an electric driving experience enriched by the latest gadgets and technology, such as its cutting-edge aerodynamics, large battery pack ($200,000 USD estimated cost), and electric thrusters from SpaceX.

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