Tesla Unveils Flying Roadster as Malaysian Bookings Open

Tesla has unveiled the production-intent second-generation Roadster at a SpaceX facility in Texas, confirming that production is scheduled to begin in 2028. Demonstrations showed the electric supercar accelerating from 0-96km/h in 0.81 seconds and performing mid-air manoeuvres using cold-gas thrusters. While Tesla has not announced official retail prices, Tesla Malaysia has opened local reservations starting with a fully refundable initial payment of RM21,000. Malaysian buyers can reserve the two-seat Performance and Thrust variants online, but final delivery remains subject to a multi-year development timeline and local regulatory approvals.

Key Facts

How Do the SpaceX Thrusters and Suction Systems Work?

Tesla uses 10 compressed-air thruster nozzles and an underbody suction system to manipulate aerodynamic downforce and vehicle movement. Connected to carbon fibre-wrapped pressure vessels that the car replenishes internally, the system generates over 80kN of thrust to execute mid-air spins, inverted ramp ascents, and sub-second straight-line acceleration.

During track and ramp testing in Texas, Tesla demonstrated the Roadster climbing a curved wall until nearly inverted before using thruster pulses to descend. A secondary underbody fan mechanism pulls air from beneath the chassis, generating continuous mechanical downforce to maintain surface adhesion at extreme angles without relying entirely on traditional aerodynamic wings.

Tesla claims its onboard cold-air thruster system generates more than 80kN of thrust to propel the Roadster from 0-96km/h in 0.81 seconds.

What Are the Differences Between the Three Roadster Variants?

Tesla has divided the second-generation Roadster lineup into three distinct configurations: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. The Performance serves as the road-ready baseline with ground suction fans, the Thrust integrates rear-mounted acceleration thrusters, and the single-seat Rocket adds full-perimeter thrusters designed specifically for airborne manoeuvres.

The entry-level Performance variant seats two occupants and focuses on road and circuit driving with active aerodynamic surfaces. The limited-production Thrust variant retains the two-seat layout while adding rearward-facing cold-gas nozzles for maximum launch acceleration. The flagship Rocket variant omits passenger seating entirely, dedicating cabin volume to 10 multidirectional nozzles; Tesla offers this version exclusively by private invitation.

The Roadster lineup spans from the road-oriented two-seat Performance variant to the invitation-only, single-seat Rocket edition equipped with 10 compressed-air thrusters.

What It Means for Malaysian Buyers

Malaysian buyers can secure allocation queues for the Roadster Performance and limited Thrust models directly through the official Tesla Malaysia website. Placing an order requires an immediate RM21,000 deposit, followed by a substantial secondary commitment within 10 days to maintain the reservation queue ahead of the targeted 2028 production launch.

Securing the Performance model requires an additional payment of RM182,000 within 10 days of booking, whereas the limited Thrust model demands an additional RM988,000 within the same window. The initial RM21,000 sum is fully refundable, but Tesla reserves the right to cancel bookings if subsequent payments fail or if orders violate the one-unit limit on Thrust variants.

Local buyers should note that Tesla has not confirmed final on-the-road vehicle pricing, local homologation timelines, or Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) with road transport authorities. Given that series assembly is not scheduled until 2028 and powertrain output figures remain undisclosed, reserving customers are committing capital well in advance of certified commercial delivery.

Tesla Malaysia requires an initial RM21,000 payment followed by up to RM988,000 within 10 days to secure an unpriced 2028 delivery slot.

Common Questions

Can the Tesla Roadster be legally driven on Malaysian roads?

Tesla has not confirmed road legality or local homologation details for Malaysia. The company notes that regional vehicle availability remains strictly subject to local legal requirements and regulatory frameworks, with production not scheduled to begin until 2028.

Are reservation payments made in Malaysia refundable?

Tesla states that the initial RM21,000 reservation payment is fully refundable upon request. However, reservations are not finalised until the secondary payment is cleared within 10 days, and refunds will not be issued for custom modifications.

What are the battery size and range ratings for the new Roadster?

Tesla has not disclosed the battery capacity, electric driving range, or horsepower ratings for any Roadster variant. The manufacturer has only verified a top speed exceeding 370km/h and a 0-96km/h acceleration time of 0.81 seconds for thruster-equipped tests.

Sources and Methodology

Information in this dispatch is compiled directly from technical demonstrations and reservation parameters published by Tesla Malaysia and reported by Lowyat.NET on 16 October 2026. Deposit figures are cited exactly in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as specified on Tesla Malaysia's reservation portal without modification or third-party currency conversion.