Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a redesigned Roadster that he claims can perform aerial stunts using rocket-like technology.
The demonstration took place Thursday at a SpaceX test facility in Texas, drawing an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness the futuristic vehicle.
During the demo, Musk said the long-awaited next-generation Roadster was born from “a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company.”
It features 10 nozzles and ultra-high-pressure air tanks that generate thrust. The Roadster stunned viewers by driving upside down along a parabolic ramp using its fan-based suction system, spinning around and deploying thrusters to glide back down.
The spectacle continued as the car performed an aerial kickflip over five parked Teslas before landing smoothly.
Musk said Tesla plans to bring the car to market in 2028, nearly nine years after its original unveiling. The company claims the Roadster can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in one second, though independent testing has yet to verify the claim.
Three versions, different features
Tesla plans to offer the Roadster in three variants: Performance, the road-ready model; Thrust, the race-ready variant; and Rocket, a single-seat, air-ready version designed for the most ambitious maneuvers.
Tesla claims all three versions will offer a 300-mile range and top speeds exceeding 230 mph. Reservations are open, with deposits of $50,000 for the Performance model and $250,000 for the Thrust version.​
Despite the ambitious technology, Tesla has not announced final prices or confirmed a delivery schedule beyond 2028. Musk acknowledged that the Roadster may not significantly boost revenue, positioning it instead as a showcase of engineering innovation.
Meanwhile, aviation experts question whether the vehicle can achieve sustained flight. Combining a road car with aircraft technology creates significant engineering challenges, particularly around weight, stability, and safety.