Tesla has officially demonstrated its next-generation Roadster prototype, showcasing a vehicle capable of utilizing rocket technology to lift off the ground. Nearly a decade after its original unveiling, CEO Elon Musk presented the redesigned sports car on Thursday at a SpaceX testing facility in Waco, Texas. During the event, the driverless prototype successfully launched into the air, performed midair acrobatics, and landed using cold-gas thrusters.
During the livestreamed demonstration, the futuristic white prototype drove up a specially designed curved ramp, flipped upside down while utilizing an underbody suction system to generate downforce, and then leaped 27 feet over five parked Tesla vehicles-including a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Semi, Model Y, and Model 3. According to Tesla, the vehicle completed a 0-60 mph acceleration in 0.81 seconds during the run, heavily leaning on engineering concepts adapted directly from SpaceX.
“Turns out the future does have flying cars,” Musk wrote on X shortly after the event, adding that while the technology is experimental and its success is not guaranteed, “it will probably work.”
Engineering and Trim Configurations
Tesla Vice President of Engineering Lars Moravy explained that the Roadster utilizes 10 ultra-high-pressure air nozzles connected to internal Carbon Fiber Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) containing 600 liters of compressed air. This system powers the self-refilling cold-gas thrusters used for propulsion, downforce generation, and airborne maneuvering.
Tesla announced that the long-delayed vehicle is slated to enter production in 2028 and will be offered in three distinct trims:
- Performance: Road-ready version featuring active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system, available to reserve with a $50,000 deposit.
- Thrust: Race-ready version equipped with rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters for sub-one-second 0-60 mph acceleration, requiring a $245,000 follow-up payment.
- Rocket: Air-ready version featuring a single-seat configuration and perimeter thrusters for full flight capability, offered strictly by invitation only.
All three variants are targeted to deliver a 300-mile range and top speeds exceeding 230 miles per hour. However, company specifications note that the full-flight model is not approved for public road use.
Industry Response and Skepticism
The high-stakes presentation drew mixed reactions from automotive and aviation experts. While financial analysts like Dan Ives of Yorkville Ives noted that the vehicle successfully “restores the brand halo at the top of the market” and showcases collaborative engineering between Tesla and SpaceX, aviation curators remain doubtful regarding the practicality of combining heavy automotive safety structures with aircraft design constraints.
Concerns were also raised regarding safety, acoustics, and the vehicle’s long development timeline. Musk acknowledged that safety is not the primary objective of the hypercar, stating on a previous podcast that buyers should avoid the model if safety is their main priority. Due to the extreme decibel levels produced by the cold-gas thrusters, the Texas demonstration had to be conducted autonomously with spectators kept at a safe distance to protect their eardrums.
Early reservation holders who placed deposits when the second-generation Roadster was first announced in 2017 have faced multiple production delays spanning several years. With production now tentatively targeted for 2028, the Texas demonstration served as a bold, cinematic statement bridging the gap between electric automotive engineering and aerospace propulsion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the flying Tesla Roadster prototype revealed?
The prototype was demonstrated on Thursday at a SpaceX testing facility in Waco, Texas.
How does the Tesla Roadster achieve flight or hovering maneuvers?
The vehicle uses a combination of an underbody suction system for downforce and 10 ultra-high-pressure cold-gas thrusters powered by internal carbon-fiber air tanks.
What are the planned performance specs for the new Roadster?
Tesla targets 0-60 mph acceleration under one second (with demonstrations hitting 0.81 seconds), a top speed exceeding 230 mph, and a 300-mile driving range.
When will the Roadster go into production?
Tesla has set a tentative production target for the vehicle in 2028.
Can the flying version of the Roadster be driven on public roads?
No. The fully equipped Rocket trim and its flight system are restricted to track or special exhibition use and are not approved for public road driving.
