Tesla shares climbed nearly 5% in premarket trading on Friday, October 16, 2026. The increase followed a company demonstration of a redesigned Roadster. This vehicle can perform brief airborne maneuvers using compressed-air propulsion. The electric sports car was unveiled Thursday evening at SpaceX’s testing facility in McGregor, Texas. Tesla showcased this technology to expand its performance capabilities beyond conventional driving.
Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk stated that production of the long-delayed Roadster is expected to begin in 2028. This presentation follows the company’s initial plans for a second-generation Roadster announced in November 2017. During the event, Tesla demonstrated controlled jumps, midair adjustments, and landings using compressed-air thrusters.
Roadster Demonstrates Flight and Mid-Air Maneuvering
During the presentation, Tesla demonstrated the Roadster’s ability to perform controlled airborne movements. It used a system of compressed-air thrusters. In one demonstration, the vehicle approached a curved ramp at a controlled speed. It then launched into the air and completed a full inversion. The car used its air-based propulsion system to adjust its orientation and land on all four wheels.
Tesla also showed short-burst flight capabilities. The Roadster jumped and briefly hovered over several parked vehicles and a semitruck. This demonstration used remote operation instead of a driver inside the vehicle. The technology is designed to provide short periods of thrust rather than sustained flight.
SpaceX Technology Supports Compressed-Air Propulsion
The new Roadster uses air-based rocket boosters. These generate thrust using cold, compressed gas rather than combustion. The technology relates to propulsion systems used by SpaceX in spacecraft applications. According to the presentation, the vehicle carries approximately 260 kilograms of compressed air.
An onboard compressor automatically replenishes the air supply. This allows the system to recharge without manual operation. The compressed-air system supports several capabilities, including airborne maneuvering and rapid acceleration. Tesla also stated that the vehicle can generate suction to improve handling and travel on vertical surfaces.
Tesla Claims 0-60 MPH Acceleration in 0.81 Seconds
Tesla demonstrated acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 0.81 seconds during the event. The company stated this result was achieved through electric motor power and compressed-air propulsion combined. Musk indicated that further improvements could occur before production begins.
“We anticipate being able to do better than that,” Musk said. He also stated that the Roadster would reach a maximum speed of Mach 0.5, which is roughly half the speed of sound. These performance figures were presented during the demonstration and have not been independently verified as production-vehicle specifications.
Musk addressed the vehicle’s design priorities. He described the Roadster as “not necessarily a safety optimized car” while emphasizing it would be an “actual car that’s on roads.”
Production Target Moves to 2028 After Years of Delays
Tesla first announced its second-generation Roadster in November 2017 as a high-performance electric sports car. At that time, the company promoted a projected acceleration time of 1.9 seconds from 0 to 60 miles per hour and a starting price of $200,000. However, the vehicle’s development faced repeated delays.
The October 2026 presentation marks a new stage for the program. Musk now targets production to start in 2028. This places manufacturing more than a decade after the original announcement. Tesla did not provide updated pricing information or detailed production-volume forecasts during the presentation.
Roadster Targets Ultra-Luxury Electric Vehicle Market
The redesigned Roadster is expected to compete in the high-performance, ultra-luxury electric vehicle segment. Potential competitors include Ferrari’s Luce and upcoming electric models from Jaguar and Rolls-Royce. Tesla’s emphasis on acceleration, compressed-air propulsion, and limited flight capabilities distinguishes the Roadster from conventional electric sports cars.
The commercial appeal of these technologies depends on their eventual implementation, pricing, and availability. The company has not yet established a confirmed customer delivery schedule for the new model.
Unveiling Comes Amid Pressure on Tesla’s Automotive Business
The Roadster presentation occurs as Tesla addresses challenges in its core automotive operations. The company has experienced declining vehicle sales over the past two years. Heightened competition in China and controversy surrounding Musk’s political activities have pressured demand since 2024.
At the same time, Musk has highlighted artificial intelligence and robotics as future growth areas. Tesla has discontinued production of its Model S and Model X vehicles. It plans to convert those manufacturing lines to produce the Optimus humanoid robot. These developments reflect the company’s efforts to expand beyond conventional electric vehicle manufacturing, even as the Roadster represents continued investment in high-performance automotive technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tesla Roadster
When is the Tesla Roadster scheduled to begin production?
Production for the redesigned Tesla Roadster is targeted to begin in 2028. This follows multiple delays since its initial announcement in November 2017.
How does the Roadster achieve short-burst flight and jumps?
The vehicle uses cold, compressed-air thrusters related to SpaceX propulsion technology. It carries roughly 260 kilograms of compressed air supported by an automated onboard compressor.
What are the claimed performance specifications for the new Roadster?
Tesla demonstrated a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 0.81 seconds during the unveiling event and stated a top speed capability of approximately Mach 0.5.
Were there drivers in the Roadster during the flight demonstrations?
No, the flight and jumping demonstrations at SpaceX’s testing facility in McGregor, Texas, were operated via remote control.
Who are the intended competitors for the Tesla Roadster?
The ultra-luxury high-performance vehicle targets competitors such as Ferrari’s Luce and upcoming electric sports models from brands like Jaguar and Rolls-Royce.
