Tesla patent reveals fan-powered downforce system for Roadster

Tesla has filed a patent for an electric fan system that uses underbody vacuum suction to generate downforce, potentially debuting on the long-delayed Roadster 2.0. The system draws air through an underbody inlet and four powered fans in the rear diffuser, creating high downforce independent of vehicle speed, similar to the 1970s Chaparral 2J race car. The patent drawings show a Model S, but that model is out of production, making the Roadster the likely application. The Roadster, first unveiled in 2017, is scheduled for a re-debut event on October 15, though production remains distant. Patent filings do not guarantee production, but the technology could differentiate the Roadster from other EV supercars.