Tesla Flying Roadster: Performance vs Thrust vs Rocket
Tesla’s new Roadster separates Performance, Thrust and Rocket. Here is what the prototype’s flight claim, hardware and US reservations actually mean.
Tag Archives: roadster
Tesla’s New Roadster Can Fly. Its CEO’s Reputation Cannot.
Nine years. It took Elon nine years to remember he was supposed to ship a Roadster. Announced in 2017, the second-generation car came with bold promises. Promises Elon made and conveniently forgot, like the crewed Mars mission he targeted for 2024, or the coast-to-coast self-driving demo he promised by the end of 2017. He’s a genius at moving the goalpost, and he has the attention span of a toddler. In those nine years, he moved Tesla HQ to Texas, launched a Roadster into outer space, bought Twitter, bankrolled a presidential campaign to the tune of $200 million, fronted DOGE, and folded xAI into SpaceX, whose IPO made him the world’s first trillionaire. Somehow, delivering the second Roadster never made the list.
On Thursday, he remembered the Roadster still had reservations sitting for nearly a decade. So he did what he always does: razzle-dazzle, fanfare, and a stunt big enough to bury nine years of broken timelines. The car Tesla showed on October 15 differs from the 2017 pitch, though not in ways worth cheering. Range drops from 620 miles to over 300, and seats drop from four to two at most. The 0-60 is better, with Tesla claiming under 1.6 seconds on the base car, under 0.9 on Thrust, and under 0.59 on Rocket, but the last two trims aren’t approved for road use. Impressive on paper, but just like the 2017 Roadster, all this is only on paper.
The flying trim has no reserve button and no road approval
Tesla is selling the Roadster in three trims, and the one that flies is the one you can’t reserve. The Rocket trim seats one, runs ten cold-gas thrusters fed by 600 liters (roughly 158 gallons) of compressed air, and carries an invite only label where the reserve button should be. The $250,000 Thrust trim adds rear thrusters for sub-one-second launches (sort of like afterburners on a jet), meanwhile the $50,000 Performance trim reservation gets no thrusters. Tesla says none of the thruster packs are approved for road use, and no human was driving during the Waco demo. There’s still no price, battery size, or powertrain info for any trim. My bet is that Rocket ends up a mod a handful of invitees get 5-6 years after the base car.
Design school drills one question into you early: who is this for? A feature Tesla itself says isn’t approved for road use, offered to people who can’t even reserve it, answers with a shrug. Tesla credits the SR-71 and F-35, though the wedge owes a visible debt to the Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me, which Musk owns and put on display. Every usable void in the car is packed with carbon fiber overwrapped pressure vessels, the same type behind multiple SpaceX rocket explosions. Musk has said safety is not the main goal, which at least explains the packaging. It’s like ordering a sofa and receiving a trampoline show: great theater, and still no price.
Nine years of slipped dates and a spec sheet that shrank
Tesla revealed this Roadster as a surprise at the end of the 2017 Semi event and promised deliveries within a few years. Buyers put down $50,000 deposits, and some paid $250,000 for one of 1,000 Founders Series cars. Musk then delayed the car in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, while Tesla fought through Model 3 production hell and moved on to the Model Y and Cybertruck. Last year he promised a reveal by the end of 2025, then pushed it to April 1, 2026, saying an April Fools’ event would give him some deniability. Planning your own launch around deniability is a bold strategy. Severe weather bumped the October 1 date, and the real show finally happened October 15.
The 2017 pitch listed 620 miles of range, a top speed above 250 mph, four seats, and a $200,000 base price. Today’s version quotes over 300 miles of range (Tesla’s figure, with no test cycle named), over 230 mph, two seats at most, and no price at all. The deposit is still $50,000, so anyone holding a 2017 reservation has been lending Tesla that money interest free since before the Model Y existed. In fairness, the base car now beats the 1.9-second 0-60 promised in 2017, and the stunt car clearly works. Marques Brownlee, one of the customers vocal about the delays, summed up the mood by asking whether the whole thing was a prank.
Elon’s graveyard of dead promises
In 2016, Tesla told buyers every car it built had the hardware for full self-driving, and it later sold the package for up to $15,000. In April 2019, Musk promised over a million robotaxis on the road by 2020. He has since admitted that the HW3 computer in millions of those cars can’t deliver unsupervised driving. A California judge ruled the name itself misleading. The DMV gave Tesla 60 days to fix its marketing or face a 30-day sales suspension. Tesla now sells it as Full Self-Driving (Supervised), which is a lot of parentheses for a promise that began without any.
Musk targeted a crewed Mars mission for 2024, then floated an uncrewed 50-50 shot at late 2026, and in February SpaceX shifted its focus to the Moon. He said Mars would now take 20 years or more. On Optimus, he promised 1,000 or more robots working at Tesla in 2025, then said in January 2026 they were still R&D units doing no useful work. Robotaxis are the bright spot, since they now run without safety drivers in a few cities. That’s still a long way from the half of the country he promised. Each broken promise gets swapped for a bigger one, which is a handy way to keep the old ones from getting audited.
Why a flying car won’t change Elon’s true legacy
Back in December 2024 before DOGE officially existed, Musk and Trump attacked a bipartisan spending deal as bloated, and Republican leaders dropped it, resulting in the gutting of funding for pediatric cancer research. The casualties included an extension for the NIH’s Gabriella Miller Kids First program, named for a 10-year-old who died of a brain tumor. Nancy Goodman, who lost her own child to cancer at 10, asked how anyone cuts cancer research in the name of efficiency. The Senate passed a pared-back version two days later, but the Give Kids a Chance Act took until February 2026 to become law. Once DOGE got going, NIH announced a 15% overhead cap that Fred Hutch said would erase about $125 million a year for its cancer center.
USDA canceled about $660 million for Local Food for Schools and $420 million for a companion food bank program, just as the administration and DOGE said they were slashing waste. One school district lost $100,000 it had planned to spend on local beef and produce for student meals. The Waco crowd cheered a car leaping over a Cybertruck, and I sat there in admiration too. A good design improves someone’s life, and a stunt car with no price, no road approval, and a 2028 date hasn’t improved anyone’s yet. The Roadster can fly. Its CEO’s reputation stays on the ground, parked next to the cancer bill and the school food money.
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Tesla’s new roadster employs SpaceX thrusters to perform midair flips, reach 60 MPH in 0.81 seconds
Tesla’s second-generation Roadster is taking the idea of a performance car in an unexpected direction. At a demonstration held at a SpaceX test facility in McGregor, Texas, on October 15, the electric coupe was shown performing midair rotations, clearing other cars, and driving upside down on a specially designed ramp. The stunts rely on technology developed with SpaceX, giving the Roadster capabilities that go well beyond those of a conventional electric sports car.
The airborne manoeuvres are made possible by compressed-air thrusters mounted around the vehicle. Instead of using wings or rotors, the system releases pressurised gas through strategically positioned nozzles to generate short bursts of thrust. These help lift the car, control its orientation in the air, and assist with forward acceleration. Tesla has described the system as capable of producing 80 kilonewtons of thrust, although the company has yet to publish a complete set of production specifications.
Designer: Tesla
The demonstration included a corkscrew-like rotation before the Roadster returned to the ground. While the footage gives an idea of what the system can do, it does not establish that the car can sustain flight. The current concept is closer to a road-going vehicle with limited airborne capability than a flying car in the usual sense. The compressed-air tanks also need to be replenished, adding another practical consideration to the system.
Another unusual feature is the car’s ability to travel upside down along a purpose-built ramp. An active suction system beneath the chassis pulls the vehicle towards the surface, helping it maintain contact where conventional aerodynamic downforce would be insufficient. Elon Musk has claimed that the system can deliver more than 2 Gs of cornering grip. Its effectiveness on ordinary roads, however, remains unproven.
The Roadster’s exterior still follows the proportions of a low-slung sports coupe, with angular bodywork, upward-opening doors, and a deployable rear spoiler. The design has to accommodate more than batteries and electric motors, though. Compressed-air tanks, thrusters, and the associated control systems introduce packaging challenges, while the suction hardware adds another layer of mechanical complexity.
Tesla has also claimed a 0–60 mph time of 0.81 seconds when using the thruster-assisted setup. That figure has not been independently verified as a production-car performance result. The company has outlined Performance, Thrust, and Rocket configurations, with the most extreme version expected to include additional thrusters for vertical movement. Final specifications, pricing, and the precise capabilities of each version remain unconfirmed.
There are practical questions that the demonstration cannot answer. Powerful gas discharges, the demands of controlling the car in midair, and the consequences of a failed manoeuvre would all require careful engineering and testing. Any airborne function would also face regulatory hurdles before it could be used outside a controlled facility.
Tesla is targeting production in 2028, but the Roadster’s final form is still uncertain. The thruster system is an intriguing engineering experiment, though fitting it into a usable, road-legal car will be a different challenge from demonstrating what it can do on a closed test course.
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Bugatti’s one-off W16 Mistral Blanc Éternel is a 1,578-HP hypercar wrapped in royal porcelain
For Bugatti, one-off commissions have long been an opportunity to blur the line between automotive engineering and collectible art. From the porcelain-adorned Veyron L’Or Blanc to today’s bespoke Sur Mesure creations, the French marque has repeatedly demonstrated that its hypercars can be canvases for extraordinary craftsmanship. The new W16 Mistral Blanc Éternel continues that legacy while serving as one of the most distinctive tributes yet to Bugatti’s legendary W16 engine.
Created as a one-of-one commission through Bugatti’s Sur Mesure personalization program, the Blanc Éternel reunites the automaker with Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM), the historic porcelain manufacturer it first partnered with in 2011 for the Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc. Rather than revisiting the flowing cobalt-blue artwork that defined the earlier car, Bugatti has embraced a contemporary interpretation inspired by the digital modeling process behind its latest hypercars.
Designer: Bugatti
Finished in Brilliant White, the W16 Mistral performance roadster is wrapped in intricate hand-painted black graphics that resemble the digital wireframe of a 3D CAD model brought to life. Instead of functioning as decorative stripes, the intersecting lines reveal the invisible geometry that shapes the roadster’s sculpted bodywork, creating a visual effect that shifts depending on the viewing angle. Every line was individually masked and painted by hand, underscoring the painstaking craftsmanship required to transform a digital design language into a physical work of art.
Bugatti Design Director Frank Heyl said the objective was never to recreate the celebrated Veyron L’Or Blanc. Instead, the team wanted to “move the idea forward,” reflecting how Bugatti’s creative process has evolved while preserving the spirit of its earlier collaboration with KPM. As he explains, Blanc Éternel represents “the beginning and culmination” of the W16 era, connecting Bugatti’s past and present through a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design.
Porcelain remains at the heart of the project, but its application extends far beyond decorative accents. Handcrafted by KPM artisans, the material appears on the iconic EB emblem, the fuel and oil filler caps, the gear selector, window controls, speaker grilles, center console, and engine cover inserts. The cabin also features a delicate porcelain sculpture of Rembrandt Bugatti’s famous Dancing Elephant, reinforcing the artistic heritage shared between the two historic brands. Because porcelain shrinks considerably during firing, every component required meticulous engineering to ensure a flawless fit once completed.
The interior continues the exterior’s graphic theme with white leather upholstery overlaid by the same hand-painted black pattern. To achieve this, Bugatti developed an entirely new process that allows paint to bond with leather while maintaining the durability expected from a road-going hypercar, ensuring the intricate artwork withstands years of use without compromising quality.
Beneath the artistic exterior lies the engineering masterpiece that defines every W16 Mistral. The open-top hypercar is powered by Bugatti’s quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 producing 1,600 PS (1,578 horsepower), making it the final roadster to showcase the brand’s iconic 16-cylinder engine before Bugatti transitions to its new hybrid V16 era with the Tourbillon. Limited to just 99 examples, the Mistral was already destined to become one of Bugatti’s rarest models, but the one-off Blanc Éternel occupies an even more exclusive space.
Subtle finishing touches, including Blanc Éternel lettering beneath the active rear wing, complete a commission that feels as much like a gallery piece as a hypercar. More than simply celebrating exclusivity, the W16 Mistral Blanc Éternel demonstrates how centuries-old porcelain craftsmanship, modern digital design, and one of the greatest automotive engines ever built can come together in a farewell worthy of Bugatti’s W16 legacy.
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402-HP Morgan Supersport 400 is a handcrafted retro roadster with modern muscle
British specialist carmaker Morgan Motor Company has just introduced a modern roadster that blends contemporary performance with its long-standing tradition of hand-built craftsmanship. While that pairing may sound unlikely, the company’s fastest production model to date still carries the unmistakable silhouette of 1930s roadsters, complete with its signature ash wood frame construction beneath the body.
The two-seater Supersport 400 is powered by a 402-horsepower engine derived from the tuned BMW B58 turbocharged inline-six, positioning it as the flagship performer in the boutique brand’s lineup. This lightweight roadster can sprint from 0–62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, underlining a significant leap in performance while preserving Morgan’s analog driving appeal.
Designer: Morgan
Despite the increase in power, the Supersport 400 remains true to the brand’s lightweight philosophy. Tipping the scales at around 2,579 pounds, the car benefits from an impressive power-to-weight ratio that enhances both acceleration and agility. It is underpinned by Morgan’s CXV aluminum platform, paired with its traditional wooden framework, a combination that balances rigidity with handcrafted character. The result is a driving experience that feels both responsive and distinct from conventional sports cars.
To complement the performance upgrade, Morgan equips the Supersport 400 with a Dynamic Handling Pack as standard. This includes adjustable Nitron dampers, revised suspension geometry, and lightweight forged wheels that collectively improve stability and road feedback. Buyers can also opt for a limited-slip differential, which enhances traction during more spirited driving. A reworked exhaust system, available in active or high-flow configurations, further sharpens the car’s auditory presence, giving the inline-six a more pronounced note without overwhelming the cabin.
Visually, the Supersport 400 remains instantly recognizable as a Morgan, yet subtle refinements bring it in line with modern expectations. The long bonnet, flowing fenders, and exposed detailing stay true to the marque’s heritage, while new front wing vents and cleaner lower bodywork improve airflow and lend the car a more contemporary edge. These updates do not alter its identity but instead refine it for current performance standards.
Inside, the cabin continues the blend of tradition and modernity. Hand-stitched leather upholstery is paired with Alcantara options and bespoke detailing, offering a high level of personalization. Updated instrument dials and optional aluminum accents add a modern touch without detracting from the car’s classic appeal. Each example can be tailored extensively, reinforcing Morgan’s reputation for bespoke craftsmanship.
Positioned at the top of the lineup, the Supersport 400 carries a starting price of around £112,000 (approximately $150,000), reflecting its low-volume, hand-built nature. Production is set to begin in 2026, with orders already open for customers seeking a uniquely analog yet high-performance driving experience.
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Rolls-Royce Project Nightingale reimagines the electric convertible as a coachbuild work of art
There’s a certain quiet confidence that defines modern Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; a refusal to chase trends, instead shaping them with deliberate restraint. With Project Nightingale, that philosophy evolves into something far more expressive: an ultra-exclusive, all-electric coachbuilt convertible that doesn’t just reinterpret luxury, but stretches its very boundaries.
Unveiled as the first chapter in the marque’s new Coachbuild Collection, Project Nightingale is conceived as a “production concept” reserved for the brand’s most discerning patrons. Limited to just 100 units worldwide and available strictly by invitation, the car embodies a return to Rolls-Royce’s deeply personal, commission-led heritage while formalizing it into a curated series of collectible creations.
Designer: Rolls-Royce
At nearly 18.9 feet long (comparable to the Phantom), this is no conventional roadster. Its grand proportions house a two-seat, open-top configuration that merges the theatrical presence of pre-war experimental models with the silence of a modern electric drivetrain. The design draws heavily from the brand’s 1920s ‘EX’ prototypes, channeling the audacity of that era through a Streamline Moderne aesthetic defined by uninterrupted surfaces, elongated forms, and a sense of monolithic elegance.
The exterior is both familiar and radically new. A nearly one-meter-wide Pantheon grille (its widest ever) features 24 vertical slats, flanked by slim vertical headlamps that depart from Rolls-Royce’s traditional horizontal layout. Massive 24-inch wheels, the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce, adopt a yacht-inspired propeller design, reinforcing the car’s fluid, maritime-inspired character. Along the sides, a singular “hull” line runs uninterrupted from front to rear, culminating in a tapered, almost torpedo-like tail that subtly hints at speed despite the car’s imposing scale.
Inside, the experience is equally theatrical but deeply considered. Inspired by the French Riviera, specifically Sir Henry Royce’s Côte d’Azur residence, Le Rossignol, the cabin blends blue and white tones with delicate pink accents. A standout feature is the “Starlight Breeze” suite, composed of over 10,500 individual lighting elements that trace the soundwave patterns of a nightingale’s song, enveloping occupants in an ambient, almost musical glow. The interior architecture remains tactile and analog at its core, with physical controls, open-pore wood finishes, and a motorized armrest that reveals hidden compartments and controls in a choreographed sequence.
Mechanically, Project Nightingale is underpinned by Rolls-Royce’s “Architecture of Luxury” platform and powered exclusively by an all-electric drivetrain, delivering what the brand describes as a uniquely serene open-top experience. While exact performance figures remain undisclosed, the emphasis is less on outright speed and more on effortless, near-silent propulsion, an approach that aligns with the marque’s evolving electric vision.
Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Chris Brownridge said, ‘We responded by bringing three things together that have never coexisted within our brand: the complete design freedom of coachbuilding, our powerful, near-silent all-electric powertrain, and a uniquely potent yet serene expression of open-top motoring – an experience that only this technology makes possible.’
With deliveries expected from 2028, Project Nightingale is both a tribute to the brand’s experimental past and a marker of its electric future. Getting your hands on this baby, however, is going to be elusive since it is limited to a very small number.
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Retro-modern Stärke Gen 2 Speedster is a Porsche 356 dupe spiced-up with modern creature comforts
The world is gradually moving towards zero-emission vehicles that have sharper aesthetics and a modern appeal. That said, the appeal for classic cars is undeniable amongst enthusiasts who value the presence of gas-powered performance cars that bring the raw feel, fusing man and machine into one.
Stärke Motor Company didn’t want to create something that every other automaker is doing. Their ambition is to fuse classic performance four-wheeler vibes and modern features into a vehicle that is hard to miss on the streets. Meet the Gen 2 Speedster that looks like the Porsche 356 dupe (it actually is), albeit a little longer and having a lower ride height than the all-time classic.
Designer: Stärke Motor Company
The retro-inspired roadster borrows the look of a 1950s classic while bringing the comfort and drivability of a modern Porsche into a hand-built car that time-travels. Infact the heart of the Gen 2 Speedster is a 2017+ Porsche 718 Boxster platform with the chassis of the original making up for the structure. The real magic happens with the custom-fit interiors and other body components that are 3D printed to fit the 718 chassis. The brain of this damsel is the optional turbocharged flat-fours, or the naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six. Buyers can choose from a 6-speed manual, or a 7-speed PDK transmission.
Gen 2 Speedster retains the old school vibe of the bumpers, round headlights, and oval taillights. The unadorned flanks fit right into the mix, and the low-profile tires lend the car a bit of chalk and cheese aesthetic. On the inside, creature comforts extend to the heated stitched steering wheel and seats, as well as a power soft top. The two-seater also comes with a modern touchscreen infotainment system and full-leather interior in 25 color variants. To keep up with the theme, flooring can be customized, too.
Given that the Gen 2 Speedster lives up to its bespoke aura, interested buyers can get the roadster done in their theme and liking. There is so much to choose from: the body paint, interior hues, choice of materials, or any other small detail that matters. Customization of that level does not guarantee a steep starting price tag of $135,000. However, if you bring your own Porsche 718, that slides down to $1189,000, which by no means is cheap either. Since the roadster will be hand-built, it will take a time of 6 months for delivery.
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The Beast is John Dodd’s 27-Liter V12 creation that turned aviation power into road-going legend
When I first came across the story of the car known simply as The Beast, crafted by British engineer John Dodd, I was reminded of those wild, boundary-pushing machines you’d expect in vintage concept renderings. Except this one was real. Dodd, a gearbox specialist, wasn’t dreaming of design for design’s sake; he was building a functioning road-legal car that defied logic and convention. Built in 1972, The Beast is a one-off shooting-brake style creation, nearly 19 feet long (about 5.8 m), powered by a 27-liter (1,650 cu-in) Rolls‑Royce Merlin V12 aero engine, the same type that powered the Supermarine Spitfire and Lancaster bomber in WWII.
Dodd’s journey began when engineer Paul Jameson created a chassis to house a Rolls-Royce Meteor tank engine in the late 1960s. When that project stalled, Dodd took over, rebuilt it after a fire destroyed the first version, and stepped up the ante by installing the Merlin V12. To handle the immense torque from the engine, Dodd engineered a bespoke transmission, adapting a heavy-duty automatic gearbox. The bodywork, by Fiber Glass Repairs of Bromley, blends the length of a dragster nose with the profile of a grand touring estate. Inside, Dodd did not neglect refinement: leather upholstery, walnut veneer, and an interior that belies the car’s wild intent.
Designer: John Dodd
Performance figures are largely anecdotal (since formal dyno tests are lacking), but contemporaneous reports estimate output between 750-850 horsepower, with claims of over 183 mph achieved on the German Autobahn. What truly matters is the ambition: a road-going car using an aeroplane engine, built by a private engineer in Britain. Although it may not meet modern supercar standards, for its era, it smashed boundaries. The car incorporated independent suspension and disc brakes all around, making it more usable than you’d expect for such a dramatic build.
Legal drama is part of the story too. The original Beast carried a Rolls-Royce grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. The marque sued Dodd in the 1980s for trademark infringement and won, forcing him to replace the grille with one bearing his initials. Later, the car accompanied Dodd to Spain, where locals became accustomed to the thunderous note of the engine echoing around Malaga.
In recent times, the car has been refreshed. The original bright yellow paint is now hidden under a reversible two-tone metallic grey wrap (so the yellow could be restored in the future) and the interior retrimmed to a high standard. The Beast was consigned to auction by Historics Auctioneers with an estimate of £75,000–£100,000 (roughly USD $98,000–$131,000) in late 2025.
What stands out most is how The Beast blends ludicrous scale and genuine engineering into a drivable road car. It’s not just a showpiece; it was built to move, to roar, to defy expectation. For someone fascinated by the intersection of bespoke craftsmanship and automotive maverick thinking, this car is a landmark. If you’re someone considering bidding or simply telling the story, here is a piece of motoring folklore that truly warrants attention.
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Italjet Roadster 400 is a fighter-jet-inspired scooter all set to redefine urban mobility
When a manufacturer known for daring scooters introduces a new model, you know it’s going to catch your eye. That’s exactly the case with the Italjet Roadster 400, a fresh unveiling from the Bologna-based brand that blends bold styling and serious components. The Roadster 400 is more than a typical urban runabout; it’s a scooter with ambition and personality.
Italjet has framed this model as “more than just a scooter,” as they call it “Art in Motion.” Designed with inspiration from classic silhouettes of the past and fighter jets alike, the Roadster 400 makes a striking statement at first glance. The sweeping lines and sculpted side pods serve as functional cooling ducts that channel air to twin radiators. All these details reinforce the premium feel of the two-wheeler that looks a cross between The Jetsons and the Cyberpunk world.
Designer: Italjet
Underneath its dramatic bodywork lies a trellis frame and a host of high-spec mechanicals. Italjet’s new Dynamic Linkage Articulated Steering (DLAS) replaces the single-arm front end used on the previous Dragster model, and brings more structural precision and visual identity to the front end. The suspension and braking package is equally noteworthy: Öhlins shock absorbers, twin Akrapovič mufflers emerging from the rear, and chunky brake discs behind billet aluminium spoked wheels.
Performance credentials are solid as well. The Roadster 400 features a 394 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that produces 41.5 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque, positioning it squarely in the “maxi-scooter” category rather than entry-level commuter territory. That said, Italjet has yet to reveal the full specs, such as final weight, belt vs chain drive, or the exact dimensions of the two-wheeler.
From a styling perspective, the Roadster 400 exudes an Italian flair, with matte black and bronze paint finishes, multi-textured seat upholstery, red accents, and CNC-machined lever guards featuring integrated LED turn signals, all of which speak to the attention to detail. The side pods (resembling turbine intakes) highlight the aviation inspiration and offer real function, not just flair.
From a utilitarian perspective, the Roadster 400 sits at an interesting intersection. It offers the convenience and lighter licensing benefit of a scooter, yet brings near-motorcycle performance and visual swagger. For buyers who care as much about style and mechanics as they do about practicality, it looks compelling. That said, as with any high-spec model, the trade-offs may lie in maintenance costs, parts availability (especially outside Europe), and service network. The full urban practicality, such as storage and comfort for two, has yet to be detailed by the company.
On the commercial side, Italjet plans to launch the Roadster 400 globally in September 2026 with a price estimate of €7,500 (approximately US$8,650) for markets that pay VAT. The positioning suggests Italjet sees this as a premium offering rather than a budget city scooter. The ride stands out because it doesn’t settle for being anonymous. It channels heritage design, aviation cues, and top-tier components into a scooter form that demands attention. For those seeking something beyond the ordinary commuter ride, this model is worth tracking closely.
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Hennessey Venom F5-M roadster is the fastest manual transmission roadster that purists will love to drive
If you’ve got The Need for Speed then Hennessey has created the most powerful manual transmission hypercar for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The Texas-based tuner has introduced the Venom F5-M roadster with a manual gearbox that’s gated. For motorheads who get their kick from something extraordinary, the car comes with a stick shift gear. Infact, this is the first ever hypercar by the brand with manual gearshift option.
The performance car is based on the droptop roadster revealed recently, and it gets minor tweaks inside out. All the performance capabilities have been retained for peak acceleration and top speed. The speed monster gets an in-house developed twin turbocharged 6.6-liter Fury V8 engine. The M in the name denotes the 6-speed manual transmission gearbox for a very analog driving experience for die hard racing fans.
Designer: Hennessey
According to John Hennessey, the model is a true manual in every sense since it gets a clutch connected to the transmission via a cable. So, no modern day computer controlled interface for smoother gear shifts, which will please purists who want to feel every little mechanical change of the vehicle. The car can generate 1,817hp and 1,617ft-lbs of torque which is very similar to the automatic version. Considering it can hit speeds of 0-6- mph in just under 3.5 seconds, if you have the driving flair to shift gears at the right time, makes it the fastest manual transmission hypercar you can get hands on.
The subtle differences in performance compared to the USA-made version come in the form of aero elements including the carbon fiber bodywork, front canards, and dorsal fin spanning 55-inch from the roof scoop to the rear deck. This helps in achieving stability at top speeds in excess of 300 mph. To make space for the manual transmission, the interiors have also been tweaked. Theirs is an updated central console with horizontal air vents and a redesigned air conditioning control system. Classic car lovers will love the jet-inspired toggle switches for windows positioned behind the carbon fiber shifter and aluminum shift gate.
Lucky buyers will also get the privilege to choose the custom livery that pairs the exposed carbon fiber elements to the spine. The selection of bespoke colors will be deleted from the Hennessey configurator once chosen. Such is the exclusivity of this hypercar. It’s not surprising that the Hennessey Venom F5-M Roadster will only be made in 12 examples worldwide. For a passionate car lover who’s got $2,650,000 to spare on his collectibles, this one should be on the bucket list without an iota of doubt.
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