Physics behind the new Tesla Roadster

Suction plenum

Downforce

11.5 kN

Tire cap

37.2 kN

Rear thrust

3.74 kN

0–60 model

1.93 s

Suction plenum. Fans pull air out of the underbody volume. The pressure difference across the floor area is downforce, even in the pits. The fans are buying 11.5 kN of downforce from 1,170 kg of equivalent load. No road speed required. You are the first mark on this system.

01 Electric drive. P = τω. 735 kW · 986 hp

735 kW · 986 hp

02 Fan downforce. D ≈ Δp A. 11.5 kN

11.5 kN

Fans drop the pressure in a shallow plenum under the floor. Higher pressure above the body pushes the car down.

Pressure difference6.20 kPaPlenum area1.85 m²

03 More grip. N ≈ mg + D. N 25.7 kN · cap 37.2 kN

N 25.7 kN · cap 37.2 kN

04 Cold-gas thrust. F ≈ ṁve + (pe − pa)Ae. 3.74 kN · tank 3.6 s

3.74 kN · tank 3.6 s

05 Lift and attitude. τ = r × F. 0% unloaded

0% unloaded

06 Extreme acceleration. ma = Ftire + Fthrust − Fresist. 1.93 s · 1.41 g

1.93 s · 1.41 g

Roadster Prime

Linking

Ask about the lit system. The answer uses the live numbers. The swarm stores the physics, never the question.

Electric drive0

Fan downforce0

More grip0

Cold-gas thrust0

Lift and attitude0

Extreme acceleration0

PrimeI am Roadster Prime. Tap a part of the real board. I will read the forces, and the swarm will remember the physics.

Why doesn't cold gas beat the tires?Can the fans work at a standstill?What does 1.0 second actually mean?What happens to grip if it lifts?

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