Tesla’s New Roadster Can Fly, But Will You Ever Be Able to Drive One?
Tesla has unveiled its next-generation Roadster, an electric sports car developed with SpaceX technology that demonstrated brief flight, mid-air flips, and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in a reported 0.81 seconds. However, with production planned for 2028, no confirmed final selling price, and questions about road legality, the futuristic vehicle remains years away from reaching customers.
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Tesla Unveils a Car That Can Fly
Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the redesigned next-generation Roadster on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at SpaceX's Rocket Test and Development Center in McGregor, Texas, United States. Developed by Tesla and SpaceX engineers, the electric sports car demonstrated its ability to drive upside down, briefly fly over other vehicles, and perform aerial flips. The demonstration was intended to showcase how aerospace technology could push electric vehicle performance beyond conventional limits.
How Does the Roadster Fly?
Unlike traditional flying vehicles, the Roadster uses high-pressure compressed air rather than conventional rocket fuel to perform airborne maneuvers. Its system includes two pressure tanks holding approximately 250 kilograms of air, with a combined capacity of 600 liters. Ten thruster nozzles help control the car's movement, while a powerful fan-based suction system underneath the vehicle generates enough downward force to allow it to drive upside down. Tesla says the air tanks can be refilled by the vehicle itself.
From Zero to 60 MPH in Less Than a Second
During the unveiling, Tesla reported that the Roadster accelerated from 0 to 60 mph (approximately 97 km/h) in just 0.81 seconds. Tesla's vice president of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, also said the car could exceed 230 mph (370 km/h) and travel more than 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge. These figures are based on Tesla's announcements and demonstrations, and independent testing of the final production model has not yet confirmed them.
A Nine-Year Wait for Tesla Fans
Tesla first introduced the second-generation Roadster in November 2017 and originally planned deliveries for 2020. However, development faced repeated delays as the company focused on other electric vehicles, autonomous driving technology, and robotics. Musk has now announced 2028 as the target for starting production, although a confirmed customer delivery schedule has not been provided.
How Much Will the Flying Roadster Cost?
Tesla has introduced different Roadster configurations, including Performance, Thrust, and an invitation-only Rocket version. The Performance configuration requires a $50,000 reservation deposit, while the Thrust version requires $250,000. The Rocket version is described as a single-seat vehicle with a full flight system. Tesla has not announced final selling prices, and reservation payments should not be confused with the vehicle's total cost.
Can People Legally Drive a Flying Car?
Despite its unusual capabilities, the Roadster is not approved for unrestricted use of its airborne features on public roads. Musk acknowledged that the vehicle's advanced functions might not be legal in every jurisdiction. The demonstration also used an unmanned vehicle, meaning the safety of passengers during such extreme maneuvers remains an important question. Tesla says its thruster-assisted features will be optional and may not be available in every market.
Is This the Future of Cars?
The new Roadster represents Tesla's attempt to combine electric transportation with aerospace engineering. However, its demonstrated ability to briefly leave the ground does not make it a conventional flying car designed for everyday air travel. With production still two years away and questions remaining about safety, pricing, and legal approval, the Roadster is currently more of a technological showcase than a practical transportation option.
Published 1 hour ago in Technology