The second-generation Tesla Roadster’s reveal has been delayed from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, but fans might be treated to a fan car when it finally happens.
Tesla has received a patent for an “Electric Fan Car” that describes a vehicle with an underbody ground effects system that generates downforce by evacuating air from beneath the vehicle to create a low pressure system.
Ducted fans are located within a diffuser and used to suck the air out and blow it out the rear. The partial vacuum allows the ambient air to press the car harder into the ground, while the evacuated air provides some thrust, according to the patent.
The design appears to build on a prior patent application for an “Adaptive Vehicle Aerodynamics for Downforce” technology that was focused on the system, rather than the total car with it installed. A Model S is used in the drawings for the new patent, but it does not specify a type of vehicle.
A teaser image of the production Roadster depicts it with what appears to be four vents at the rear, which could be either the fans or nozzle exhausts for the optional SpaceX cold gas thruster package that will be available and is designed to improve acceleration and allow the car to fly short distances, according to Elon Musk.
A Tesla patent application for an adjustable rear wing that is shown in the drawings on a Roadster-type vehicle was also published this week, which may suggest they are connected to the Roadster’s unveiling.
Tesla postponed the event due to a weather forecast that puts severe thunderstorms in the area of the location near Waco, Texas, for a few days surrounding Oct. 1. The reveal is expected to include a demonstration of the vehicle’s flying capability, so Tesla wants to have clear weather for safety.
It will also want everyone to get a good look at the car, which promises to have very different styling from the concept that debuted in 2017, including a new Cybertruck-style light bar across the front end.
