Analysis: Tesla Roadster's Backflip Stunt Was Showmanship, Not a Real Car

SlashGear examined Tesla's Roadster demo, in which the car appeared to jump and kickflip over a Tesla Semi using "cold-gas thrusters." The outlet argues it was a lightweight mockup built for show, not a production vehicle, since the claimed specs and flight certification are physically implausible.

• The kickflip was likely performed by a lightweight mockup, not a production Roadster
• Roadster pre-order deposits reportedly reach $50,000
• Tesla claims the car weighs just under 3,747 pounds
• For comparison, the 3,550-pound Cirrus Vision jet needs a 1,910-foot runway