Flying Car: Tesla Reveals New Roadster with Mind-Bending SpaceX Technology
Elon Musk has unveiled the next-generation Tesla Roadster with SpaceX-developed thrusters for flying. At the event the new Roadster model showcased its impressive aerial maneuvers. Scheduled to enter production in 2028, the Roadster demonstrated its capabilities including driving along an inverted ramp and airborne movements.
Flying Car: Tesla Reveals New Roadster with Mind Bending SpaceX Technology
Tesla has revealed the next-generation Roadster, featuring propulsion technology developed in collaboration with SpaceX. The electric sports car was showcased in Waco, Texas, on October 15, 2026, with a demonstration that saw it drive along an inverted ramp, lift into the air and perform an aerial manoeuvre before landing. The demonstration marks a new development for the second-generation Roadster, which was first announced in 2017. Tesla has repeatedly delayed the car's launch, with production now planned for 2028.
The Roadster uses a combination of fan-based suction and compressed-gas thrusters for the demonstrated manoeuvres. However, the flying capability shown at the event does not establish that the car can operate as a conventional aircraft or fly freely in everyday driving conditions.
Tesla Roadster: SpaceX Technology Explained
The most notable feature of the new Roadster is its thruster system, developed with SpaceX. The technology is designed to provide additional propulsion beyond what is available from a conventional electric powertrain.During the unveiling, the Roadster used fan-based suction to travel along an inverted ramp before using its thrusters to control its movement through the air. The car subsequently landed on the ground.
Elon Musk has previously discussed using rocket-style thrusters on the Roadster to improve acceleration, braking and cornering. The latest demonstration takes that concept further by showing the vehicle performing aerial manoeuvres.
Tesla has not established whether all the demonstrated capabilities will be available on customer vehicles in the final production specification. The system's operating limits, safety requirements and road-use approvals also remain to be clarified.
New Tesla Roadster: Performance and Range
Tesla claims the new Roadster can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than one second. The company has also indicated a top speed exceeding 230 mph, equivalent to approximately 370 km/h.The announced performance figures are manufacturer claims and will need to be assessed against the final production model. Tesla has not yet provided a complete set of independently verified specifications.
The Roadster is expected to retain an all-electric powertrain, with the SpaceX-developed technology intended to supplement its performance capabilities.
Tesla Roadster Variants
Tesla has outlined three configurations for the new Roadster: Performance, Thrust and Rocket.Performance:
The road-focused version, featuring active aerodynamics and a fan-based suction system.Thrust:
Adds rear-mounted compressed-gas thrusters for additional propulsion and advanced manoeuvres.Rocket:
A single-seat configuration with a more extensive thruster arrangement. Access to this version has been described as invite-only.The final equipment, performance differences and production specifications for these variants remain subject to confirmation.
New Tesla Roadster: Price and Production Timeline
Tesla has not announced the final prices of the new Roadster variants. Reported reservation deposits include $50,000 for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version. These are deposits and should not be confused with the vehicles' final prices.The second-generation Roadster was unveiled in concept form in 2017, with its original delivery schedule subsequently pushed back several times. Tesla now plans to begin production in 2028.
The company has not announced an India launch date or India-specific pricing for the new Roadster.
Is the Tesla Roadster a Flying Car?
The Roadster's demonstration showed it performing short aerial manoeuvres using its thruster system. However, this is different from a conventional flying car designed for sustained flight and regular passenger transport.The technology will need to meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements before its capabilities can be used outside controlled demonstrations. Tesla has yet to establish whether the aerial features will be available for unrestricted customer use.
Also Read: Toyota Glanza Facelift Launched at Rs 6.99 Lakh with Updated Design, Powertrain, Features and ADAS
For now, the Roadster remains an electric sports car with experimental aerial capabilities rather than a conventional flying-car alternative. Its production launch in 2028 will be the next major milestone in determining how much of the technology demonstrated in Texas reaches customer vehicles.
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