Tesla Unveils Flying Roadster With SpaceX Thrusters
Tesla has unveiled its redesigned second-generation Roadster, featuring rocket-style thrusters developed with SpaceX. The electric sports car performed airborne manoeuvres during a demonstration in Texas. The reveal marks a major milestone for a vehicle first announced nearly nine years ago.
During the event, the Roadster drove upside down along a curved ramp, flipped in mid-air, and landed on its wheels. It later leapt over a lineup of Tesla vehicles using its thrusters. However, the demonstration used a remotely operated vehicle without passengers.
Elon Musk described the vehicle as a new approach to high-performance electric cars. Nevertheless, the demonstration does not mean owners can fly the Roadster on public roads. Tesla has not established that its airborne features can operate legally in everyday traffic.
How SpaceX Thrusters Power the Roadster
The Roadster combines electric vehicle technology with aerospace engineering from SpaceX. According to Tesla vehicle engineering chief Lars Moravy, the prototype uses compressed-air thrusters and an underbody suction system. Together, these systems enable its unusual manoeuvres.
The suction system helps the vehicle grip an inverted surface during the demonstration. Meanwhile, cold-gas thrusters provide the force needed for brief airborne movements and mid-air rotation. This arrangement distinguishes the Roadster from conventional electric sports cars.
Tesla also claims impressive performance figures. The company says the Roadster can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 1 second and exceed 230 mph. However, these claims require independent verification under standard testing conditions.
Production Timeline, Variants and Expected Pricing
Tesla plans to begin Roadster production in 2028. However, the company has delayed the next-generation model several times since its original unveiling in 2017. Consequently, buyers may need to wait longer before deliveries begin.
Tesla lists three versions on its reservation website:
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Performance: A two-seat version designed for road and track use.
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Thrust: A two-seat model featuring acceleration thrusters.
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Rocket: A single-seat variant with a more extensive flight system, available by invitation only.
Tesla lists a $50,000 reservation deposit for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust model. The company has not confirmed final pricing for every variant. Moreover, the Rocket version remains invitation-only.
The company also claims the Roadster can travel more than 300 miles on one charge. Its projected range falls short of the 620-mile figure Musk announced in 2017. Therefore, the final production specifications will matter to prospective buyers.
The Roadster also arrives as Tesla shifts attention towards autonomous driving, robotaxis, and humanoid robotics. Nevertheless, the vehicle could serve as a flagship product that showcases the company’s engineering ambitions. Its commercial impact will depend on production, pricing, safety, and customer demand.
For now, the flying demonstration offers a glimpse of Tesla’s experimental approach to electric performance. However, the Roadster remains a future product, and its promised capabilities still need to translate into a production-ready vehicle.
