Tesla has shown off its next-generation Roadster, and the electric sports car comes with some features that sound straight out of science fiction. During a demonstration in Texas, the car drove upside down on a ramp, used thrusters to launch into the air, and landed back on the ground. Another stunt showed it flying over a lineup of Tesla electric cars.

The new Roadster is designed to do more than deliver extreme acceleration on the road. Tesla says its thruster system will allow the car to move upward, stabilize itself in the air, and slowly descend back to the ground. The company also claims the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than a second, although it remains to be seen how the system will work in a production vehicle.

The new Roadster combines a multi-mode suction system with cold-gas thrusters to achieve its unusual capabilities. The suction system pulls air from underneath the car to create enough force to hold it upside down, even when it is stationary. This is what allows the car to remain attached to an inverted ramp during the demonstration.

The thrusters take things further. Tesla says the car uses cold-gas thrusters mounted around the vehicle, along with electric actuators that can make adjustments within fractions of a second. These thrusters are designed to provide forward and upward acceleration, as well as lateral and rotational movement.

The car also gets rear-mounted thrusters for acceleration. Tesla claims the system can help the Roadster reach 60 mph in less than a second. However, the company has not provided enough technical details to independently verify these claims or explain the practical limits of the system.

Tesla says the car uses Carbon Fiber Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) to store pressurized gas. These components are spread across available spaces in the vehicle. Motorized vents at the rear and sides can also adjust when the car needs maximum performance.

The design takes inspiration from aircraft such as the SR-71 and F-35. Tesla has also shown the Roadster in an Ano White finish, which the company says offers ultraviolet and cryogenic protection, along with corrosion resistance. The car features a gold-glazed glass roof inspired by the visors used in astronaut suits.

The flying demonstrations may grab the most attention, but Tesla is also making some serious performance claims for the new Roadster. The company says the electric sports car will have a top speed of more than 230 mph and a range of around 300 miles on a single charge.

The car is designed to accommodate two occupants in its standard configuration. Tesla is also offering different performance packages, which it calls Augments, through its reservation program.

The Thrust package is described as a limited-release option. It combines the suction system with rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters while retaining seating for two. The more exclusive Rocket package is available by invitation and switches to a single-seat configuration. It adds perimeter-mounted thrusters designed to enable movement in multiple directions, including upward movement and rotation.

Tesla has also listed dynamic aerodynamics and a multi-channel suction system among the features available through its reservation program. These options suggest that the company is positioning the Roadster as more than a conventional electric sports car.

Tesla has started accepting reservations for the new Roadster, but it has not announced the final price. The company has also not provided enough information to establish when customers will receive production vehicles or how the thruster system will be certified for real-world use.