Bugatti’s Rimac suggests Musk’s Tesla Roadster acceleration claim ‘is possible with thrusters,’ although it would entail carrying significant dead weight. Elon Musk has declared that the upcoming Tesla Roadster will achieve an unprecedented 0-60 mph acceleration time.
While Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac acknowledges the technical feasibility of such a feat, he highlights potential design compromises. Rimac’s Nevera electric sports car currently holds the production-line record for 0-60 acceleration at 1.71 seconds.
Musk’s recent announcements regarding the Tesla Roadster’s enhanced performance targets have drawn attention, especially from industry leaders like Rimac. Musk stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Tesla had raised the bar for the new Roadster, aiming for sub-one-second 0-60 mph acceleration, which would set a world record.
Rimac responded to a Facebook comment under a photo of Bugatti’s new Chiron engine, admitting that achieving such acceleration is possible with thrusters based on simulations.
However, he cautioned about the challenges associated with maintaining balance due to the release of air and the added weight of equipment like tanks and compressors.
According to Rimac, thrusters seem to be the most viable option for achieving such acceleration, as alternatives like suction fan technology are impractical due to the Roadster’s weight and the bulk of required equipment.
Musk did not provide specifics on how the Roadster would surpass Rimac’s record, emphasizing that acceleration was not the most intriguing aspect. Tesla has yet to comment on these claims. The previous figure for the Tesla Roadster’s 0-60 mph acceleration was 1.9 seconds, as listed on Tesla’s website.
Musk also revealed that the production design for the second-generation Roadster is finalized, with plans for an official unveiling by the year’s end and production slated to begin in 2025. Despite his optimism, skeptics recall previous instances where Tesla’s advertised specifications did not match the final product, such as with the Cybertruck.
