Tesla has unveiled a redesigned version of its long-awaited Roadster electric sports car, demonstrating a prototype capable of briefly lifting off the ground using technology developed in collaboration with Elon Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX.
The vehicle was showcased on Thursday, October 15, at a demonstration event in McGregor, Texas, where it performed a series of unusual manoeuvres, including driving upside down along a specially designed ramp before lifting into the air and landing using built-in thrusters.
The demonstration marks a significant development in Tesla’s long-promised second-generation Roadster, which was first announced in 2017 but has faced repeated delays.
Unlike conventional flying-car concepts that rely on wings or propellers, the Roadster’s experimental flight capability uses cold-gas thrusters developed with SpaceX. The system releases pressurised gas to generate thrust, allowing the vehicle to perform brief aerial movements under controlled conditions.
Tesla also demonstrated the car jumping over other vehicles during the event, highlighting the technology’s potential to push the boundaries of conventional electric vehicle design.
Musk said production is expected to begin in 2028, although the company has yet to provide a confirmed delivery schedule or final pricing for the redesigned vehicle.
The Roadster’s unveiling comes nearly nine years after Tesla first presented the next-generation model, with earlier production targets repeatedly postponed. The original concept promised exceptional acceleration and long driving range, helping build anticipation for the electric sports car.
The latest version is also expected to deliver high performance on conventional roads. Tesla executives said it could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second and reach speeds exceeding 230 miles per hour, while offering a driving range of more than 300 miles on a single charge.
However, the demonstration does not mean the vehicle is ready for everyday flying or unrestricted public use. Questions remain over the practical application of its thrusters, safety requirements and the regulatory approvals needed for such technology.
The project also comes as Tesla expands its focus on autonomous driving systems and robotics, alongside its existing electric vehicle business.
While the flying demonstration has drawn attention to the Roadster’s unconventional design, its eventual commercial success will depend on whether the technology can move beyond a controlled showcase and become a practical, approved vehicle.
