Tesla’s Crazy Yoke Could Activate Flight Controls, Activate Rockets on Roadster

Elon Musk says the new Tesla Roadster (expected to start production in 2022) will be able to fly a bit, so maybe the new Model S yoke will be used to get the driver to step back and fly.

Of course, the Model S yoke has been the subject of much discussion after the revelation of the refreshed S. even Lucid Motors scoffed at its curious design. We later learned that it would likely be optional, with a standard steering wheel available for those who don’t want the yoke, but what if Tesla’s intention was from the start that the yoke be tested in the Model. S before his real goal, that being to enable the theft Musk talks about in the new Tesla Roadster.

A word on how the yoke could control the car came to us via Twitter (see the different tweets below). While the idea might seem a bit out of this world, we have to take into account that Musk often likes extravagant ideas and he really enjoys flying, at least the flying that takes us beyond the terrestrial atmosphere.

If indeed the yoke provides additional controls, then it would surely be necessary to activate the “flight” mode on the Roadster. Now, we don’t think the Roadster will actually leave the ground, but maybe with a pull on the yoke, those SpaceX thrusters kick in and provide the ultimate in acceleration.

However, with the Tesla Model S Plaid + doing 0-60 MPH in 1.99 seconds and the Roadster surely even faster than that, activating those thrusters will certainly make the car look like it’s flying.

The yoke could also be used for a variety of other maneuvers, such as crazy turns, drifts, and more, but the emphasis on flying is what Musk often mentions, so we’ve highlighted that aspect here.

Check out more images of the recently refreshed Model S, plus a few more photos of its yoke in the gallery below.