Tesla demonstrated its next-generation Roadster in Texas, showing the vehicle flying and accelerating rapidly. The car, announced in 2017, is scheduled for production in 2028.
Tesla unveiled its next-generation Roadster at an event in Texas, demonstrating the vehicle’s ability to fly and accelerate rapidly. The electric supercar, which was first announced in 2017, is scheduled to enter production in 2028.
The demonstration took place at SpaceX’s rocket development and testing facility in McGregor, Texas, according to WIRED. During the event, the car flew into the air and flipped over Tesla’s electric semi-truck. Tesla executives said the vehicle could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 1 second, according to WIRED. The Verge reported that the car hit 60mph in under a second during the demonstration.
The flight capability is enabled by four thrusters, said Tesla vehicle engineering head Lars Moravy, according to WIRED. Elon Musk stated, "This is not necessarily a safety-optimized car," according to WIRED. Musk has previously described the vehicle as a "small potato situation" that will not "move the needle in a major way financially," according to The Verge.
The Roadster 2 was first announced in 2017 during the Tesla Semi event. At that time, Tesla said the new sports car would be the fastest production vehicle in the world, according to WIRED. Initial specifications included a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds, a top speed over 250 mph, and a $200,000 starting price tag, according to The Verge. Musk originally said deliveries would start in 2020.
Early adopters placed $50,000 deposits for the vehicle, according to The Verge. WIRED noted that this deposit is worth more than $68,000 in 2026 dollars. Some customers, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, complained about difficulties canceling reservations. Musk posted that Altman received a refund in 24 hours, according to WIRED.
The unveiling occurs as electric vehicle sales have stalled in the US after the GOP-led Congress nixed federal supports, according to WIRED. Meanwhile, global energy crises have boosted EV sales in other regions. The luxury hypercar segment faces challenges as some wealthy buyers seek the sound and power of gas-powered vehicles, according to WIRED. Lamborghini shelved its plans to make an EV earlier this year, according to WIRED.
The Verge noted that other automakers, including Rimac, Porsche, and BYD, have advanced their electric performance vehicles during the Roadster's development period. Musk has said that Tesla should no longer be regarded as a carmaker and that the company is focused on building autonomous vehicle technology and robots, according to WIRED.
The demonstration marks the first public showing of the Roadster 2's flight capabilities since its 2017 announcement. The vehicle's delayed production and evolving specifications highlight the challenges Tesla has faced in delivering on early promises. The event also underscores the shifting focus of the company toward autonomous technology and robotics, as well as the changing landscape of the electric vehicle market.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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