Tesla's Roadster Reinvention

It's Benzinga, bringing Wall Street to Main Street. Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a new Roadster Thursday featuring rocket thrusters capable of jumping over vehicles and performing a mid-air barrel roll, according to the Wall Street Journal. Musk said the sports car would be Tesla's last new vehicle designed for human drivers as the company shifts its focus toward robotics and autonomous vehicles. The shift comes as Chinese automakers expand globally, putting pressure on Western manufacturers. Automotive consultant Michael Dunn says China's low-cost manufacturing is forcing Western automakers to move into higher-end niche markets or risk being pushed out. Consulting firm Alex Partners estimates Chinese electric vehicles cost about $11,000 less to produce than European equivalents. Meanwhile, Porsche is moving toward higher-priced vehicles as sales decline in China. For all things money, visit Benzinga.com.