Tesla revealed the next-generation Roadster at a SpaceX facility, demonstrating cold-gas thruster-assisted flight and flips. The company states production begins in 2028, with specific flight variants labeled as not approved for public road use.
Tesla has unveiled the next-generation Roadster, a sports electric vehicle featuring cold-gas thrusters that allow for limited flight capabilities. The reveal took place at a Texas test facility belonging to SpaceX, Elon Musk’s other public company. During the demonstration, the vehicle traveled up a curved ramp and performed aerial maneuvers, including flips and leaps over other parked Tesla vehicles.
The demonstration featured the Roadster using a multi-mode suction system and cold-gas thrusters to achieve vertical movement and rotation. In one sequence, the car drove up a vertical ramp, stopped upside-down, and returned to the ground. In another, it launched over a row of five Tesla models and completed a barrel roll. A third demo showed the car performing a side flip from a standstill.
According to Road & Track, a timing display during the presentation showed the vehicle reaching 60 mph in 0.81 seconds. The Mirror reported that the two-person sports car can go from 0 to 60 mph in less than a second. Elon Musk stated on stage that the goal for top speed was “Mach .5, maybe a little higher,” which Road & Track notes equates to 383 miles per hour. The Mirror quoted Musk saying, “Turns out the future does have flying cars.”
Tesla states that the vehicle will enter production in 2028. The company’s website describes two option packages: “thrust,” a limited-release two-seat model with rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, and “rocket,” an invite-only variant capable of the flight stunts shown. The website explicitly states that the “rocket” variant is “not approved for public road use.”
During the flight demonstrations, there was no driver in the vehicle. Musk explained this was “to make sure we don’t kill anyone.” Lars Moravy, Tesla's Vice President of vehicle engineering, stated, “Flying cars are real.”
The new Roadster features an angular wedge design, shifting from the round shape of the 2017 announcement to a look resembling the Cybertruck and Cybercab. The flight capability relies on advanced cold-gas thrusters using all-electric actuators. Road & Track reports that Musk said the thrusters are supported by an air tank that can be replenished by the car itself.
Tesla’s website describes the vehicle as capable of “next-level performance,” noting that “Additional SpaceX components can transform that road performance into a truly revolutionary experience.” Pricing was not mentioned during the presentation, and specific details on horsepower, range, and battery capacity were not discussed.
The unveiling marks the first time Tesla has demonstrated a production-intent vehicle with flight capabilities, blurring the lines between automotive and aerospace engineering. While the flight features are restricted to specific, non-road-legal variants, the underlying technology for downforce and acceleration could influence future performance metrics. The 2028 production timeline follows nearly nine years of delays since the initial 2017 announcement.
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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