- The Tesla Roadster will support automated stunt execution with perception capabilities.
- Musk has committed to building a challenging circuit at the Texas headquarters for testing.
- The Roadster will utilize an electronic steering system and air thrusters for flight adjustments.
- Tesla has not yet received approval for public road use, with production plans set for the coming years.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that owners of the new Tesla Roadster will be able to request the car to perform stunts demonstrated at the launch event, and the vehicle will drive itself. Musk made these comments in response to tech blogger Robert Scoble on the X platform, and he committed to building a circuit at Tesla's headquarters in Texas. Scoble had argued that the Roadster's driver is not actually driving but operating a computer to command another computer to drive, with steering, braking, and acceleration all controlled electronically.
Implementation of Automated Stunt Features
Musk responded, "Indeed, you can ask the Roadster to automatically perform any stunt demonstrated, as it will have perception capabilities. We will also build a highly challenging circuit at the Texas headquarters (even crazier than Hot Wheels), where you can test your Roadster."
During the event on October 15, the car drove along a winding ramp until it flipped, then used air thrusters to fly out and land after the flip. It also hovered over the Cybercab, Cybertruck, Semi, Model Y, and Model 3 while in motion. As mentioned in our detailed analysis of the three Roadster configurations, Musk stated during the event that the car "will automatically expand at any time" to perform actions. Saturday's response added that the car will complete these actions on its own.
Plans for the Texas Circuit
Tesla has described some of the hardware needed to achieve this functionality. The Roadster features an electronic steering system and is equipped with a yoke steering wheel, while its air thrusters rely on electric actuators for minor flight adjustments. The fan system at the bottom of the car creates enough suction, and Tesla states that this design is sufficient to keep the car stable during flips, a design we highlighted in our analysis of the Roadster's fan system and thrusters. Musk did not disclose when the automated stunt features will be launched, how they will operate, or what he meant by "perception capabilities."
He also did not provide details on the size, location, or opening date of the Texas circuit. Production plans are set for 2027 or 2028 at Giga Texas, and Tesla stated that the car has not yet received approval for public road use. The Rocket version, designed for flight, will be available only to invited guests.
This comment came a week after Musk previewed the event, including his claim that the demonstration would be a captivating spectacle. Tesla will announce its third-quarter financial report on October 21, and shareholders can submit questions and vote through the Say platform, with a deadline of October 20 at 4 PM (EDT). Questions regarding the automated Roadster stunts and the Texas circuit will be a quick way to obtain specific information from management.
Further Developments in Autonomous Driving Technology
The automated stunt features of the Tesla Roadster showcase the latest advancements in autonomous driving technology, which not only attract consumer attention but could also change the way cars are used in the future. The circuit Musk mentioned will serve as a testing ground for owners to experience these high-tech features. Although public road use approval has not yet been obtained, these innovations could drive the adoption of autonomous driving technology and spark competition within the industry.