Elon Musk demonstrates Tesla’s next-generation Roadster with SpaceX-inspired rocket thrusters, sparking debate over flying car technology, road safety and its planned 2028 production
The prototype, developed with SpaceX technology, performed a mid-air flip before landing, drawing attention to Tesla’s plans for the long-delayed electric sports car. Musk shared a video of the demonstration on X, writing, “Turns out the future does have flying cars.”
Turns out the future does have flying cars https://t.co/6fexPp6SXI
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 16, 2026
During the demonstration, the Roadster drove up a curved ramp, launched into the air and appeared to flip before landing. White gas was visible escaping from beneath the vehicle during the manoeuvre.
Roadster event livestream https://t.co/G0jU4mWfid
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 15, 2026
After the demonstration, Musk reacted by saying, “Well, it worked.” Tesla vice president of vehicle engineering Lars Moravy also remarked, “Flying cars are real.”
Musk explained that the vehicle uses an ultra-high-pressure air tank, altitude-control thrusters and rear-mounted main thrusters to lift off the ground and perform aerial manoeuvres.
Describing the system, he said, “So it can basically fly like a rocket. And it could do rolls. It could do like crazy gymnastics. Whatever you want, really.” He added that the technology was developed through close collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers.
The event also featured a recorded performance test in which the Roadster was shown accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour in 0.81 seconds. Tesla has also indicated a range of around 300 miles and a top speed exceeding 230 mph.
However, the performance figures have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear how much of the demonstrated technology will make it into the final production model.
The demonstration raised questions about whether the thruster-equipped Roadster could be driven legally on public roads. When asked about its road legality, Musk responded, “Yeah, depends on your street, but it’ll be a viable car.”
He also cautioned that the vehicle was “not necessarily a safety-optimized car,” while describing its performance as pushing the limits of what a conventional sports car can do.
Tesla first unveiled the next-generation Roadster in 2017, but the vehicle has faced years of delays. Musk said production would begin in 2028, leaving prospective buyers waiting more than a decade after the original unveiling. The demonstration did not establish which thruster features will reach production or whether the configuration will meet public-road regulations.
Tesla has listed three versions of the Roadster: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The Performance version requires an initial deposit of $5,000, followed by another $45,000 within 10 days, while the Thrust version requires a $250,000 deposit.
Rocket version appears to be available by invitation only. The rocket-equipped configuration may also have a reduced seating capacity, with the vehicle designed to accommodate just one occupant.
FAQs
- What is the Tesla Roadster?
The Tesla Roadster is an all-electric sports car developed by Tesla, known for its high-performance capabilities and planned next-generation features.
- Can the Tesla Roadster fly?
The next-generation Roadster was demonstrated performing aerial manoeuvres using proposed SpaceX-inspired rocket thrusters. Its ability to fly in everyday conditions has not been established.
- When will the new Tesla Roadster launch?
Elon Musk has indicated that production of the next-generation Tesla Roadster is targeted to begin in 2028.
- How fast is the Tesla Roadster?
Tesla has claimed a top speed exceeding 230 mph for the next-generation Roadster, although the performance specifications have not been independently verified.
