Mat Watson Thinks Tesla’s 0.81-Second Roadster Stunt Cars Were “Seriously Lightened”

Carwow’s Mat Watson says Tesla’s new Roadster could make the biggest jump in 0-60 mph performance in decades, but he suspects the cars used in the stunts were “seriously lightened” compared with the show car.

Watson, who admitted he “might have to eat some humble pie” after doubting Elon Musk’s flying-car promise, covered the reveal in a video that reached 4.7 million views within two days.

His benchmark was the McMurtry Spéirling, the fan-car he has personally launched from 0-60 mph in 1.4 seconds. Tesla claimed its thruster-equipped Roadster did it in 0.81 seconds during the event.

“If that time can be verified, it’d be one of the biggest leaps forward in the 0 to 60 mph record in decades,” Watson said. “It’s almost six-tenths of a second quicker than I managed in the McMurtry.”

He joked that “the new Roadster sucks. And I mean that literally,” referring to the underbody fans that let the car drive upside down.

Why He Thinks the McMurtry Still Wins in Corners

Watson argued that if the Roadster needs around 4.7 tonnes (about 10,400 pounds) of suction to stay stuck to an inverted ramp, “then it must be very heavy,” and weight is “the enemy of cornering speed.”

He believes the McMurtry, at around 1.3 tonnes (about 2,870 pounds), “should have the edge in cornering speed.” He’d like to see the two meet on track, “but somehow I doubt it.”

The rear of the Tesla Roadster, with its thruster nozzles under the light bar. Image Credit: Tesla

The Stunt Cars Didn’t Match the Show Car

Watson also spotted differences between the cars used across the presentation. The display car had two-tone six-spoke wheels, while the car that flew ran plain black aero covers. He said a freeze-frame of its barrel roll showed a chassis that “definitely doesn’t look like it belongs on a production-ready vehicle.”

“I suspect these cars have been seriously lightened compared with the close-up show car,” he said, suggesting Tesla may even have fitted smaller brakes hidden behind the wheel covers. He added that some inconsistency was to be expected, since Tesla hasn’t claimed the stunt cars are production-ready.

He compared the design to the Lamborghini Countach and Murciélago, and the seats to the McLaren W1’s. On timing, he said the 2028 production target should be taken “with a fairly big pinch of salt” after nine years of delays.

Watson also pointed to Musk’s stated ambition of reaching Mach 0.5, around 380 mph, and a teased jump over Idaho’s Snake River Canyon, which Evel Knievel failed to clear in 1974.

“I think the real challenge isn’t some death-defying leap. It’ll actually be putting this car into production,” he said. “Is any country on Earth going to allow a rocket-powered flying car on, or hovering slightly above, its streets?”

Even so, he finished by saying he “can’t wait to drive one.” MKBHD was less charmed, calling the whole reveal “smoke and mirrors.”