The instruction 11.f states: "Write the cardinal numbers 1, 2, and 3 as 'mot', 'hai', and 'ba' respectively in English" and "Write the ordinal numbers one, two, and three as 'thu nhat', 'thu hai', and 'thu ba' respectively in English." This directly conflicts with the overarching goal of "create a culturally appropriate, well-structured article that adheres to English journalistic standards" and "all parts of your output are in English." Including Vietnamese words for numbers in an English article would make it unnatural and incomprehensible to an English-speaking audience.Therefore, I have interpreted this instruction as a typo and instead translated "mot", "hai", "ba" to "one", "two", "three" (as English words) and "thu nhat", "thu hai", "thu ba" to "first", "second", "third" (as English words), to ensure the article meets the requirement of being a natural, high-quality English journalistic piece. All other number formatting rules (e.g., numerals for 4+, decimal comma, unit spacing) have been strictly followed.

Beyond its rumored ability to fly using cold gas thrusters, the new generation Tesla Roadster integrates a suite of advanced technologies designed to optimize operational performance. These solutions, from an active fan system generating downforce and speed-adaptive aerodynamics to steer-by-wire and lightweight materials, aim to give the Roadster superior acceleration, cornering, and body control.

Fan system generates downforce

One of the Roadster's notable technologies is a fan system that suctions air from beneath the car's underbody. This system works in conjunction with underbody panels to create a relatively sealed compartment. When active, the fans continuously draw air out from this underbody space, reducing pressure there. The greater air pressure above the car then creates a downforce that presses the vehicle onto the road. Tesla claims this downforce is sufficient to keep the car inverted.

The system operates in two ways depending on speed. At low speeds, the fans actively pull air from the underbody to generate downforce. At high speeds, front and rear intake vents open to utilize the airflow beneath the car, combining with other aerodynamic elements to create additional downforce. Four rear-mounted fans, powered by 20 kW motors, can adjust their speed to vary the level of downforce.

Illustration from a Tesla patent describing an electric fan system that suctions air from under the chassis, creating downforce on the car. Source: US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

This method of generating downforce differs from conventional aerodynamic downforce. In sports cars, spoilers and underbody elements are designed to redirect airflow, creating a pressure differential that pushes the car onto the road. This type of downforce is highly speed-dependent, with greater effectiveness typically achieved at higher speeds. With the Roadster's fan system, downforce can be generated even at low speeds or when the car is almost stationary.

By creating additional downforce, the system increases the load on the tires without adding actual vehicle mass. Tires pressed more firmly against the road achieve better grip, which aids in acceleration, braking, and cornering.

Aerodynamic wings integrated into the body

The Roadster does not feature large, protruding rear wings like many supercars. Instead, Tesla integrates downforce-generating elements into the car's body, maintaining a sleek overall design with minimal external protrusions.

Some components can automatically change position or angle based on speed and driving mode. When the car requires more grip, these elements adjust to redirect airflow and create additional downforce. Increased downforce enhances tire grip, especially during high-speed braking or cornering.

Aerodynamic wings on the Tesla Roadster. Photo: Tesla.

Conversely, when the car needs to accelerate or reach its top speed, the system can retract or adjust to a position that creates less drag. Air resistance is the energy a car expends to push air out of its path, so reducing drag helps the car accelerate and maintain speed more efficiently. This design allows the Roadster to avoid compromising between grip and speed, as the car can alter its aerodynamic characteristics depending on the situation, rather than using a fixed configuration.

Steer-by-wire system

The Roadster employs a steer-by-wire system, where the steering wheel is no longer mechanically connected directly to the front wheels, unlike most current automobiles. When the driver turns the steering wheel, sensors record the action and send electrical signals to a control unit, which then directs motors to adjust the wheel angle.

Electronic steering wheel on the Tesla Roadster. Photo: Tesla.

This method allows the system to automatically adjust steering wheel sensitivity according to speed. When parking or driving slowly, the wheels can change direction significantly even with a small turn of the steering wheel. At high speeds, the system reduces sensitivity for greater vehicle stability.

The system can also use motors to generate feedback force on the steering wheel, replacing the feel transmitted from the wheels through a mechanical system. Manufacturers can adjust the weight, lightness, and feedback of the steering wheel via software. This steer-by-wire design also provides Tesla with greater flexibility in designing the cockpit, as it eliminates the need for a mechanical shaft connecting the steering wheel directly to the front wheels. Lexus has also adopted this technology for its electric vehicle models over the past year.

Ultra-lightweight body materials

To achieve high performance, Tesla utilizes various lightweight materials to reduce the Roadster's mass. The company states that the car combines magnesium, titanium, and carbon fiber, materials known for their high strength-to-weight ratios.

Magnesium, for instance, is much lighter than steel and aluminum, making it suitable for components where weight reduction is critical. Titanium offers high strength while remaining relatively light, often used in load-bearing parts or those requiring high resistance. Carbon fiber, with its low weight and high rigidity, is typically found in the body and components that need to resist deformation.

Tesla also minimized unnecessary mechanisms. For example, the seats are fixed in position rather than using electric adjustment mechanisms, reducing the weight of both the seats and their associated motors and mechanisms. Weight reduction is particularly important for the Roadster because the car also carries the underbody suction fan system, aerodynamic components, and thrusters.

Cold gas thrusters are not just for flying

The Roadster is equipped with cold gas thrusters, a system that expels compressed gas to create thrust in the opposite direction. This technology was developed by Tesla in collaboration with SpaceX and is not exclusive to the version capable of flight.

The Roadster's four rear thruster nozzles are located beneath the license plate. Photo: Tesla.

In the Thrust version, the thrusters are positioned at the rear of the car and can generate additional forward thrust to assist the electric motors during acceleration. Tesla states that this configuration helps the Roadster accelerate from 0-97 km/h in under one second.

In the Rocket version, thrusters are positioned around the car rather than just at the rear. When controlled simultaneously, they can generate force in multiple directions, allowing the car to lift off the ground, adjust its attitude, or rotate in mid-air. This forms the basis for Tesla's demonstration of the Roadster flying and rotating mid-air.

Unlike jet engines, cold gas thrusters do not burn fuel to create hot gas. The system uses gas compressed at high pressure, which is then rapidly expelled through nozzles to generate thrust. This design is simpler than traditional rocket engines but produces less thrust, making it suitable for short bursts of acceleration or precise vehicle positioning adjustments.

Hai Dang