The four-hour film, directed by Alex Gibney, is based on extensive research into Musk's life and features in-depth interviews with people who have been close to him over the years. These include his ex-wife Justine Musk, social media influencer Ashley St. Clair, and his father Errol Musk.

Gibney's film presents a damning picture of Tesla's business practices, alleging that the company has manipulated key data on its cars, including battery mileage, and exaggerated the capabilities of its full self-driving mode. This could have potentially deadly consequences for drivers who rely on these features.

Musk's relationship with government funding is also scrutinized in the documentary. Despite his vocal criticism of wasteful spending, Gibney argues that Musk has benefited greatly from government investment, often through a process he calls "reward hacking." This refers to the way artificial intelligence agents can find loopholes in their prompts to deliver results that score well but don't actually achieve the intended goal.

Gibney's documentary also delves into Musk's personal life, including his many children with various women. Some of these women were involved in contractual arrangements with non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which St. Clair attests to in an interview.

The film's investigation into Tesla's practices has been met with resistance from the company, but Gibney is undeterred. He argues that Musk's actions have real-world consequences and that it's essential to hold him accountable for his decisions.

Gibney's team was unable to secure access to Musk himself, so they opted for a creative workaround. They gathered audio recordings of Musk speaking and created an animated avatar of him to speak directly to the audience. This bold choice helps to bring the viewer into Musk's world.

The documentary also explores Musk's fascination with the idea that our reality might be a simulation. Gibney uses video game-style graphics and sequences to create a surreal atmosphere, plunging the audience into a world inspired by Musk's musings on this topic.

The documentary film about Elon Musk delves into the consequences of unchecked power and wealth in American society and politics.

A key aspect of the film is its exploration of the Great Man Theory, which posits that an individual with unique qualities can have a profound historical impact.

Director Alex Gibney acknowledges the validity of this theory, citing examples such as Stalin, Mao, and FDR, who all wielded significant influence within their respective contexts.

However, Gibney also emphasizes that these individuals operated within a broader framework of social forces that ultimately shaped their actions and decisions.

The film suggests that Musk's rise to power coincided with a vulnerable moment in history, making him particularly adept at exploiting existing systems for his own gain.

In this sense, the documentary can be seen as a profile not just of Musk, but also of the society that enabled him to accumulate such vast influence.

As I delved deeper into Elon Musk's world, I found myself drawn to his charisma and conviction. I recall installing Tesla solar panels and a Powerwall at my own home, thinking it was a superior solution to traditional gas-burning generators in case of power outages.

Musk's early days were marked by an impressive ability to inspire loyalty and dedication from those around him. He reminded me of Steve Jobs before the latter refined his public persona, with Musk still finding his footing as a leader.

Over time, however, I noticed that individuals like Musk often justify extreme measures in pursuit of their goals, believing that any means can be justified if it helps achieve their noble objectives.

This mindset is closely tied to Musk's notion that the world may exist only as a simulation. While this idea comes up later in the film, it highlights his tendency to think outside conventional boundaries and question established norms.

One area where Musk has been remarkably successful is in attracting top talent to his companies. His sense of mission has proven to be a powerful draw for skilled engineers who share his vision for revolutionary technologies like electric cars and space exploration.

For instance, many individuals at Tesla and SpaceX were initially motivated by a desire to make a difference, whether it was by colonizing Mars or creating sustainable energy solutions. They saw Musk's companies as more agile and effective than traditional institutions like NASA.

Musk has also benefited from significant government support throughout his career, with an estimated $38 billion in contracts, subsidies, and loans secured according to the Washington Post.

The film portrays Musk as a complex figure who has exploited his genius for reward hacking, a term coined by author Cory Doctorow, to build his vast fortune.

This wealth is largely built on taxpayer support, with an estimated $38 billion in government contracts, subsidies, and loans secured throughout his career.

While some libertarians interviewed in the film view Musk as a master con artist who has duped the public, others acknowledge his innovative spirit and ability to drive technological advancements.

However, as Tesla's fortunes rise, so does the suspicion that the public is not getting a fair return on its investment. The documentary suggests that taxpayer dollars are being used to prop up Musk's companies without sufficient benefits for the broader population.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its portrayal of Musk's detachment from the collective society and his employees. He is shown lavishly praising his SpaceX workers in early footage, but as his fortunes grow, so does his sense of self-importance and isolation.

Musk's disregard for worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic is a stark example of this attitude, with hundreds of Tesla employees reportedly testing positive for the virus after the company reopened its Fremont factory despite local orders to the contrary.

The documentary raises questions about the role of companies in society, suggesting that their primary purpose is not just to enrich shareholders but also to serve customers and protect employees.

As we allow wealthy individuals like Elon Musk to accumulate vast power and influence, we often tell ourselves a story about their greatness. We see them as symbols of success and genius, and believe that they will lead us to a brighter future.

However, this narrative is also driven by our own desires for luxury and innovation. We're drawn to the sleek designs and cutting-edge technology of products like Tesla's electric cars, which make us feel like we're living in the future.

But beneath the surface, this obsession with luxury and status can have unintended consequences. Instead of investing in politicians who will take a principled stand against global warming, we opt for expensive gadgets that give us a false sense of environmental responsibility.

The documentary raises questions about our complicity in perpetuating this narrative. How much do we enable wealthy individuals like Musk by buying into their vision and ignoring the darker aspects of their character?

When researching the film, the team was keenly aware of the need to balance the complexities of Musk's personality with the harsh realities of his actions. They had to navigate a web of contradictory ideas about public responsibility and personal ambition.

The parallels between Musk and other high-profile figures like Steve Jobs are striking. While Jobs was known for his ability to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom, Musk has been criticized for his authoritarian leadership style and willingness to surround himself with sycophants.

As the team delved deeper into their research, they began to see Musk as a symbol of a broader cultural problem, one that prioritizes luxury and status over principle and accountability.

The documentary sheds light on why Elon Musk's public image has such a profound impact on people, making them emotional and invested in his story.

Despite being a businessman, Musk's ability to tap into the public's emotions is noteworthy, particularly when considering how he has been able to navigate the complexities of politics with ease.

Musk's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and switch between supporting different political parties is a testament to his cunning business sense, but also raises questions about accountability and principle.

The documentary explores how Musk has benefited from favorable policies implemented by the Obama administration, which paved the way for Tesla and SpaceX's success.

However, this success comes with its own set of challenges, including concerns about accountability and transparency in the private sector taking over public space programs.

Ultimately, the documentary leaves viewers to ponder whether the efficiencies gained through privatization are worth the risks and uncertainties that come with it.

GQ: https://www.gq.com/story/alex-gibney-elon-musk-interview

The Tesla Roadster has been making headlines for quite some time now, with Thursday's event being just one in a series of announcements about the second-generation sports car. While it may seem like déjà vu, this latest iteration is not without its differences and new features that have piqued the interest of many. The production timeline has also been confirmed by Tesla's CEO Elon Musk.

The original Roadster, released in 2008, was a groundbreaking vehicle that marked an important milestone for the company in its early days. Ideated by one of Tesla's founders, Martin Eberhard, this car was initially met with skepticism but went on to demonstrate impressive capabilities, including reaching 244 miles on a single charge.

The new Roadster promises to build upon the success of its predecessor and deliver even more exciting features. However, concerns have been raised about whether this is just another paper launch for Tesla's embattled second-gen sports car. The company has faced several setbacks in recent times, leaving many to wonder if they can meet their production targets.

Tesla's CEO Elon Musk was present at the event where he confirmed that production would begin in 2028. This marks a significant step forward for the company as it looks to solidify its position in the electric car market.

The redesigned Roadster is set to be released with several high-end features, including rocket boosters and cold-gas thrusters. However, reserving one of these models will come at a steep price, with the "Thrust trim level costing $250,000.

The Tesla Roadster's production timeline has been a subject of much speculation over the years, with initial promises made in 2017 giving way to repeated delays.

When first unveiled in November 2017, the redesigned Roadster was touted as a showcase for Tesla's electric vehicle manufacturing prowess. Elon Musk described it as a hardcore smackdown to gasoline cars," implying that this car would leave traditional gas-powered vehicles in its dust.

The initial plan was to put the Roadster into production by 2020, but that deadline came and went without any sign of the car hitting the market. In fact, Tesla continued to accept deposits for the Roadster, with prices ranging from $50,000 to a whopping $250,000.

Musk's words on the matter have been somewhat contradictory, with him promising at one point that production would begin within 18 months of his July 2020 earnings call. However, the public health crisis that swept the globe in 2020 seemed to add another layer of complexity to Tesla's plans.

As the years went by and delays continued to mount, Musk began to hint that other priorities might be taking precedence. The Cybertruck, which had its own share of production woes, was one such project that seemed to have captured the CEO's attention at least temporarily.

The past few years have been marked by significant turmoil for Elon Musk and Tesla. The CEO's public persona has undergone a dramatic shift, transforming from an environmentalist to a figure associated with far-right politics. This transformation culminated in his involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump.

Musk's tenure at the department sparked widespread criticism, including a study published by The Lancet in July 2025, which projected that cuts implemented during this period could lead to over 14 million deaths by 2030. Musk has disputed these numbers, but the reputational damage caused by his stint in government had a lasting impact on Tesla.

The company's reputation suffered further as protests erupted globally against Tesla. As Musk stepped down from the Department of Government Efficiency in May 2025, allegations of substance abuse and family drama followed him out of office. This was not an ideal time for Tesla to be addressing its priorities.

By April of this year, Tesla had recommitted to releasing the Roadster, but many had lost hope that the sports car would ever see production. The project's delays had become a running joke in popular culture, with even some Tesla owners expressing frustration about their reserved vehicles.

Tesla owners such as YouTuber Marques Brownlee have spoken out about the long wait for their Roadsters, which were reserved years ago but remain unsold. Another high-profile figure to voice concerns was Sam Altman of OpenAI, a former business partner and current rival of Musk's.

The Tesla Roadster's production launch event has been announced for 2028, but it remains to be seen whether this timeline will actually come to fruition.

A successful launch requires more than just a launch event, however - potential customers also need to be convinced that investing in the Roadster is a worthwhile decision.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2289475/tesla-roadster-2028-production-dont-get-hopes-up/

The car's aerobatic capabilities are made possible by a system of thrusters that utilize compressed air to propel and stabilize the vehicle in mid-air. This technology may seem cutting-edge, but it has actually been around for decades in experimental missile defense systems.

One notable example is the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV), which features similar uses of thrusters to target and destroy ballistic missiles. The MKV's design dates back to at least the early 2000s, and its use of thrusters has paved the way for modern applications like Tesla's Roadster.

The Roadster's thruster system consists of two high-pressure air tanks and ten nozzles strategically placed throughout the car. These nozzles fire off compressed air to control the vehicle's movements, allowing it to perform impressive stunts with ease.

Tesla claims that its Roadster can refill its thrusters on its own, although this feature is only available on the Rocket trim of the car. The Thruster and Performance trims do not come equipped with the full thruster setup.

The origins of the MKV project date back to 2004 when Lockheed Martin secured a $760 million contract from the US Missile Defense Agency to develop a system capable of destroying multiple ballistic missile threats and decoys in a single launch.

This ambitious project involved several smaller vehicles designed to collide with missiles, neutralizing them. The system's ability to change direction quickly was made possible by its thrusters, which allowed it to maneuver in mid-air with remarkable agility, much like the Tesla Roadster.

However, finding footage of the MKV in action has proven challenging due to the complex and secretive nature of military projects. The concept of a single missile system capable of taking out multiple threats dates back to the Reagan-era Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), also known as the "Star Wars program.

The line between what was developed by Lockheed Martin and what was part of the SDI is often blurred, especially given that Lockheed Martin itself didn't exist until 1995. The company's involvement in the MKV project was one of several development tracks pursued in conjunction with contractor Raytheon, ultimately leading to the retirement of the original MKV project in 2009 due to military budget cuts.

The Tesla Roadster and Lockheed Martin's MKV share a common trait beyond their use in luxurious transportation and missile defense systems. While both vehicles employ thrusters for propulsion, their underlying technology differs significantly. According to Tesla, its Roadster relies on cold-gas thrusters, which utilize compressed air rather than fuel combustion.

Lockheed Martin's MKV, however, was involved in hot-fire tests" in 2008, indicating that a part of the system burned fuel for propulsion. This distinction highlights a crucial difference between the two vehicles' designs.

Engadget: https://www.engadget.com/2289307/flying-tesla-roadster-lockheed-martin-mokv-technology-comparison/

The remarkable performance was made possible through the use of advanced on-board thrusters, which enabled the vehicle to cushion its rapid descent after driving upside down off a high ramp. This impressive stunt was captured on camera and has been widely shared online, generating significant buzz around the new car.

Tesla's chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, is responsible for the Roadster 2's angular exterior design, which he also brought to other notable Tesla models such as the Cybertruck, Model S, X, 3, and Y. Von Holzhausen has been leading Tesla's design team since 2008.

The Roadster 2 will be equipped with a rear-wheel drive powertrain, marking a departure from Tesla's usual all-wheel drive configuration for electric vehicles. This change reflects the company's focus on performance and agility in this new model, which is set to make its mark on the automotive world.

The new Tesla Roadster is set to revolutionize the automotive world with its incredible performance capabilities. Two powerful motors will deliver over 1,300 horsepower and more than 1,400 Newton-meters of torque, outpacing even a three-motor Plaid model.

However, this immense power is not evenly distributed across all four wheels, but instead focused on just the rear wheels. This unique setup allows for exceptional agility and responsiveness, making the Roadster an exhilarating drive.

To compensate for its relatively modest range of over 300 miles, Tesla has equipped the Roadster with a cutting-edge battery that can recharge from 15 to 80 percent in just 10 minutes. This rapid charging capability will make long-distance driving a breeze, and mitigate some of the limitations imposed by the car's electric powertrain.

In addition to its impressive performance features, the Roadster also boasts an innovative design element inspired by Elon Musk's personal collection of Bond memorabilia. Four small fans are integrated into the car, mimicking the propellers found on his iconic submarine car from the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me.

The Roadster 2's aerodynamic capabilities allow it to produce over two Gs in acceleration even at speeds below 50 mph, according to Tesla's Moravy. This is made possible by the car's advanced system that manipulates air flow around the vehicle.

Similar technologies have been implemented in other high-performance vehicles, such as the McMurtry Spéirling Pure, which uses high-speed electric fans to actively suck air from underneath its chassis and generate up to 2,000 kg of downforce. This extreme suction enables the car to drive uphill at a vertical ramp and maintain traction even when upside down.

The Roadster 2's ability to hover and correct itself is attributed to the car's "SpaceX system, which was developed in collaboration with Musk's aerospace company. This technology utilizes cold gas thrusters that generate thrust through the expansion of pressurized nitrogen gas, a technique commonly used for spacecraft stabilization.

Behind the seats of the Roadster 2 lies a 200-liter carbon-overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) holding up to 10,000 PSI, which supplies the car's cold gas thrusters with the necessary pressurized nitrogen gas.

The Roadster 2's acceleration is made possible by its advanced launch mode, which combines suction system and thrusters to propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in under a second.

In this mode, the rear thrusters produce more than 80 kilonewtons of thrust, an astonishing figure that matches the thrust of the Dassault Falcon 10X jet. This extraordinary acceleration is achieved in just three seconds, during which time the driver will experience up to 5 Gs.

The car's top speed can reach 210 mph when equipped with the standard package, but for those who opt for the Thrust model, a whole new level of performance becomes available. With this upgraded package, the Roadster 2 can hit an incredible 230 mph.

To support its advanced flight system," the car requires two large carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs), one of which is located behind the seats and holds up to 10,000 PSI. However, the system also necessitates a second, larger COPV that occupies the space where the passenger seat would normally be.

Tesla's ambitious plans to produce a high-speed electric car have sparked interest among enthusiasts, but several challenges remain before mass production begins in 2028.

One of these hurdles is the time-consuming process of refilling the vehicle's nitrogen tanks, which currently takes six to seven hours but may be reduced to just 30 minutes with an upcoming improvement.

The Roadster 2 prototypes are being used for further development and refinement, with reservations already open for the Performance variant at a $5,000 fee, followed by an additional payment of $45,000 within 10 days.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/how-tesla-made-its-new-230-mph-car-fly/

The new Roadster bears little resemblance to the curvaceous concept unveiled nearly nine years ago, which promised a 1.9-second 0-60 time and 620 miles of range in production form by 2020. However, these ambitious targets were repeatedly pushed back as Tesla CEO Elon Musk shifted his focus towards other ventures.

The Roadster's unveiling is seen as a showcase of the combined technological prowess of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, three companies closely tied to Musk through ownership or leadership. The demonstration highlighted the potential for synergies between these entities, with the new Roadster serving as a prime example.

During the event, Tesla Vice President of Engineering Lars Moravy explained how the underbody system generates up to 2Gs of suction, enabling the car to stick to both roads and vertical surfaces. This innovative technology was put on full display when the Roadster drove up a massive ramp and came to rest against a wall, where it remained suspended by suction fans.

The new-look Roadster has been years in the making, with development delayed multiple times as Musk's priorities shifted towards other projects. Despite these setbacks, Tesla's latest offering is poised to make a significant impact on the automotive landscape, combining cutting-edge design and advanced technology to create an unparalleled driving experience.

The Tesla Roadster's latest demonstration at SpaceX has been making waves, but not necessarily for its impressive driving capabilities. In fact, Elon Musk himself panned the vehicle, joking that it could "suck a tennis ball through a hose pipe," implying that it was more suited to aerobatics than actual transportation.

As part of the demo, the Roadster showcased its ability to perform complex maneuvers with the aid of 10 SpaceX cold gas thrusters. These thrusters, which are also used in space applications, allowed the vehicle to drive upside down and then launch into the air, executing a barrel roll with precision. The display continued with the Roadster hopping over a line of Tesla vehicles while performing another impressive aerial stunt.

However, some observers have raised questions about the nature of the vehicle on display. With completely opaque windows and no visible cockpit, it's unclear whether this was a fully functional car or simply a stripped-down remote-controlled prototype. Given its aerobatics and weight, it's possible that the Roadster was not designed for long-range driving, but rather as a testbed for its advanced technology.

The use of cold gas thrusters in the Tesla Roadster raises questions about the feasibility of creating a production "flying car equipped with this tech. While the demo was undoubtedly impressive, it remains to be seen whether such a vehicle could be safely and efficiently powered by an electric motor and battery pack.

The Tesla Roadster's performance capabilities are said to be impressive, with the ability to corner at more than 2 g of lateral acceleration.

To put this in perspective, the car is also expected to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 1 second, or even faster if the SpaceX thrusters are utilized. However, it's worth noting that these claims have yet to be independently verified by a third party.

The Rocket" trim level of the Roadster will reportedly be a limited-edition model available only to select invitees, and not to the general public. This suggests that the vehicle may not be street-legal, at least in its most advanced form.

Production of the Tesla Roadster is tentatively slated for 2028, with reservations already open for $50,000 apiece on the company's website.

CNET: https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/tesla-roadster-reveal-spacex-tech/

The Roadster 2 has been a long time coming, first announced in 2017 as a successor to Tesla's original Roadster. It was promised to be the fastest production vehicle on the planet, and it seems that promise is finally being fulfilled. With four thrusters propelling it forward, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just one second.

Tesla executives said that the production version of the Roadster 2 will have a top speed of up to 230 miles per hour, although Elon Musk is hoping to push that number even higher by cracking halfway to the speed of sound, or around 385 mph. For comparison, modern Formula 1 vehicles typically reach speeds of around 220 mph.

The company also revealed that the vehicle will have a range of over 300 miles on a single charge, which while respectable for a mainstream electric vehicle, is lower than many luxury EVs. Despite this, the Roadster 2 has been eagerly anticipated by fans who are excited to see what this new technology brings to the table.

The Tesla Roadster 2 has been in development for years, and its release is finally here, boasting a revolutionary new feature: flight capability. This achievement is made possible by onboard compressed gas-powered thrusters, which also enable the vehicle to perform sharp turns.

According to Elon Musk, the same technology that allows the car to fly will also create downward force that enables it to take corners at high speeds with ease. He confidently declared that this new feature will "crush every track record" in its class. The Roadster 2's performance capabilities are expected to be a major draw for enthusiasts.

Despite initial promises of a 2020 release, the company has yet to provide a clear timeline for delivery. When asked about the new shipping schedule, Tesla representatives remained tight-lipped, leaving many to wonder when they can expect their pre-ordered vehicles. This lack of transparency is reminiscent of past instances where Musk's ambitious product timelines have fallen short.

The Roadster 2 will be available in three variants: a Performance road-ready version without thrusters; a Thrust variant designed for racing purposes; and an air-ready Rocket variant that features only one seat. Currently, reservations can only be placed for the Performance model. It's worth noting that when initial deposits were taken, some customers were told to expect a $200,000 price tag.

Enthusiasts who put down deposits years ago are still waiting for their vehicles. Some have expressed frustration with the prolonged wait, while others have reported difficulty canceling their reservations. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly shared his own struggles in trying to cancel his reservation on social media last year.

The Tesla Roadster 2's reservation page has undergone a change, reflecting the company's shift in focus towards autonomous technology and robotics. A $5,000 fee is now required to secure a spot on the list, with an additional $45,000 payment due within 10 days.

This development comes as Elon Musk reiterates Tesla's new direction, stating that the company should no longer be viewed solely as a car manufacturer. Instead, it is focused on developing autonomous vehicle technology and robots. This emphasis on innovation has led to significant advancements in electric vehicle design, including the Roadster 2.

The thrusters powering the Roadster 2 are fueled by onboard compressed gas, allowing for efficient flight capabilities. Moreover, Musk claims that this same technology enables rapid cornering due to the creation of downward force. The implications of such a design are substantial, potentially setting new records in vehicle performance.

Despite the Roadster 2's impressive features, the electric vehicle market is currently facing challenges. Sales have stalled in the US following the removal of federal support, while the global energy crisis has led to increased demand for EVs elsewhere. Luxury automakers are now navigating this shift, with some opting out of electric vehicle production altogether.

Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-roadster-2-launch/