The combination of automotive engineering and aerospace technology in the new Tesla Roadster

The new Tesla Roadster uses a combination of suction fans, active aerodynamic fins and cold gas engines to create more grip on the road surface and perform short aerial movements.

According to Ambassador Arjan, behind Tesla's stunning display, there are several engineering principles that explain how these technologies work and why they cannot yet be considered technologies ready for everyday use.

Fans that stick the car to the road surface

One of the most important technologies of the Roadster is a system of powerful fans under the body. This system removes air from the space under the car and reduces the pressure in that area. As a result, the higher air pressure around the car pushes it towards the road surface. A phenomenon known as Downforce.

In racing cars, this force is usually created with the help of wings and the shape of the body and increases with increasing speed. But suction fans can produce downward force even at low speeds. Tesla claims the Roadster's system is so powerful that it can keep the car level even when upside down.

This technology was used in the car's introduction show, the prototype roadster moved on a curved track and was upside down during a part of the show. However, the actual performance of the system in various road conditions, especially on uneven surfaces, still needs more independent tests.

Engines that use compressed gas instead of fuel

Another part of Roadster technology is related to cold gas engines. This system uses high-pressure tanks and nozzles that direct the compressed gas out at high speed. The outflow of gas creates thrust, a physical principle that is also used in spacecraft propulsion systems.

Unlike conventional rocket engines, this engine does not require fuel combustion to generate thrust. Compressed gas, which according to the car's design reports is mostly nitrogen, comes out of the nozzles and propels the car in the opposite direction.

In the Thrust version, the rear nozzles are used to increase the car's acceleration. The more advanced version of the Rocket is also supposed to have more nozzles in different parts of the body to create vertical and lateral thrust. In his demonstration, Tesla demonstrated the aerial movement and rotation of the prototype.

According to Tesla, the new version of the Roadster reaches a speed of 96 km/h in less than one second.

It is not yet clear how much of the technology showcased in the final model will be usable on the road. Suction systems and compressed gas engines have technical and safety complexities and may face legal restrictions.

The new Roadster is an example of an attempt to combine electric vehicle technology with aerospace engineering principles.