WIRED's Rhett Allain analyzed the physics behind Tesla's Roadster 2 prototype, which recently drove up a vertical wall and jumped over the company's lineup. The car uses fans to lower air pressure beneath it, increasing the normal force and thus friction, allowing it to stick to surfaces like Spider-Man. This suction also boosts acceleration and braking on normal roads.
For the sub-1-second 0-60 mph claim, the Roadster 2 relies on compressed air shooting out the back, similar to a rocket. The same system provides brief "flying" capability, though WIRED notes the flight time is very limited.
From a business perspective, the prototype showcases advanced engineering, but WIRED points out that human drivers already struggle with two-dimensional roads, and regulators like the FAA will need to weigh in. The suction and thruster tech could improve performance on normal roads, but the flying feature is more spectacle than practical product.