Tesla Unveils ‘Flying’ Roadster as Musk Revives Vision of Rocket-Powered Cars

Tesla has unveiled a redesigned version of its long-awaited Roadster electric sports car, showcasing a prototype capable of performing airborne manoeuvres with rocket-style thrusters developed in collaboration with Elon Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX.

The demonstration, held on Thursday, October 15, at a SpaceX test facility in Texas, featured the two-seater vehicle travelling upside down along a specially designed ramp before launching into the air, rotating and landing on its wheels. The car was demonstrated without a driver inside, with Musk explaining that the decision was made to avoid risking anyone’s safety during the experimental display.

The vehicle combines electric-car technology with aerospace-inspired systems, including high-pressure gas thrusters intended to deliver extraordinary acceleration and support aerial stunts. Tesla executives said the Roadster could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second, while its top speed was projected to exceed 230 miles per hour.

However, the demonstration does not mean flying cars are ready for everyday use. Questions remain about the vehicle’s safety, regulatory approval and whether its flight capabilities will be available in a production model. Musk acknowledged that some of the car’s features might not be legal in every location, while the prototype’s long-term practicality remains uncertain.

The unveiling marks a major milestone for a project first presented in 2017. Tesla had initially promised deliveries by 2020, but the Roadster programme has experienced repeated delays. The company is now targeting production in 2028, although a firm delivery schedule and final pricing details remain uncertain.

Reports on Tesla’s reservation options indicate that the company has presented different configurations, including versions with acceleration thrusters and a special “Rocket” model described as having a full flight system. The reported deposit requirements are substantial, reinforcing the Roadster’s position as a high-end performance vehicle rather than an affordable option for most motorists.

The launch also comes as Tesla increasingly focuses on self-driving technology, robotaxis and humanoid robots. While the Roadster’s dramatic demonstration has revived interest in the company’s engineering ambitions, its commercial significance will ultimately depend on whether the technology can be delivered safely, legally and reliably beyond a controlled test environment.

For now, Tesla’s latest Roadster offers a glimpse of an ambitious automotive concept, but the prospect of practical flying cars remains far from settled.