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Franz Von holzhausen

Chief Designer, Tesla

Search every verified Franz Von holzhausen interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla's chief designer, presented the second-generation Tesla Roadster at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas, in October 2026. During the event, he described the vehicle's design and technical features, including a rear-wheel-drive layout with dual motors, a steer-by-wire system, and a fan-based suction system that he said could generate up to 2g of downforce and allow the car to drive upside down. He also discussed the Roadster's multiple configurations, from a base model to a "Rocket" version featuring cold-gas thrusters derived from SpaceX technology, which he said could achieve 0-60 mph in under one second and a top speed of 330 mph. Von Holzhausen stated that production is planned for 2028. In interviews and a keynote at the X Takeover 2026 event, von Holzhausen discussed the evolution of Tesla's design language, citing the Cybertruck's use of stainless steel and the company's move toward simpler, cleaner surfaces. He said the new Roadster's design was influenced by a desire to progress from previous Tesla models and to incorporate the idea of flight into the car's shape. He also commented on the company's broader approach to design, noting that Tesla aims to make electric vehicles desirable and that he hopes the company's work helps move the industry forward.

Recent appearances

Verified interview transcripts

Notable quotes

“So, I mean, a couple of things to start out. The first thing that you can't see from looking at this, but you might tell from the proportions is it's actually a rear wheel drive only car. Really? Yeah. So, is it dual motor? It's dual motor at the rear axle. Cuz all of the internet has said it's tri motor, it's quad motor. But isn't it more fun? There's something like amazing and visceral about the power coming out of”

“Cybercab is really where I think the future of autonomy is headed. And you know that that vehicle will allow everybody a chance for low-cost mobility... It's the most efficient vehicle ever designed, ever engineered, and will also be able to provide really low-cost transportation, potentially cheaper than ever owning a vehicle.”

“Plus Cybertruck is really where I think the future of autonomy is is headed. And you know, that that vehicle will allow everybody a chance for low-cost mobility. And even you know, like Andre will be able to use it and get to see his friends easily and safely. It's the most efficient vehicle ever designed, ever engineered. And will also be able to provide really low-cost transportation. Potentially cheaper than ever ”

“The economics are right and the product is ready; we have the factory standing up and ample demand — this truck is 50% cheaper to run here in California.”

“The Cybertruck exemplifies risk-taking in automotive design, with its unconventional shape and use of stainless steel. Its innovative manufacturing process, including large castings, aims to improve sustainability and reduce emissions, challenging traditional industry standards.”

“Autonomy and full self-driving software are critical for the future of transportation. Tesla’s vision is to create a safer, more accessible, and more efficient transportation system through vision-based AI that reacts like a human driver, without the need for mapping or radars.”

Other executives at Tesla

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