Tesla has clearly engineered an exceptional baseline aero package for the Roadster. The fan and deployable skirts, combined with the suite of active aerodynamic elements, already delivers a level of low-speed and high-speed grip that goes well beyond conventional road cars. For street use and the adventurous track days, that package is more than sufficient. Some could say extremely excessive. My interest comes from a racing background, and my job is always to extract every bit of performance with a creative perspective. The goal is to think beyond what currently exists. With that mindset, I started exploring whether a complementary secondary aero package could expand the car’s capabilities even further. Especially for hill climbs or on circuit tracks. My thoughts are more theoretical since I haven’t driven the Roadster and I haven’t reviewed any CFD data. The upgraded concepts I suggest are based on experience with other race vehicles and research of the latest Roadster spec. From what’s been shown, Tesla appears to have active aero elements in the front (movable wings), an active vent on the hood, pop out bargeboards, and a well thought out active rear wing. There’s always room to refine or expand these systems, particularly while development continues. One idea that stands out to me is a set of active canards positioned at the front top corners and potentially another set near the rear fenders. They could be built into the panels and invisible when not active. These could work independently or in coordination with the OEM components to add targeted downforce during braking and cornering. They might also help on imperfect surfaces where the suction system and skirts can’t fully seal, and they could potentially contribute during the brief flight phases enabled by the thrusters. Again, I do understand the OEM active wings in the front and rear can help but I’m thinking at an extreme level of performance where exterior canards are proven to be beneficial. My goal wouldn’t be to replace what Tesla has already done, but to complement it for maximum grip under specific conditions. Ultimately, even the most advanced vehicles benefit from thoughtful aftermarket development. Performance is never a finished state, it’s an ongoing process of refinement. Screen shot cred: @Hagerty roadster review with @larsmoravy

Records would be shattered anywhere I go

We came, we conquered and we leave in style

I honestly didn’t think I would ever need to add this line item to my race track prep list: Request FAA flight authorization