The new Roadster features thrusters and advanced technology but raises regulatory questions
Category: Science
On October 15, 2026, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a prototype of the new Roadster, which he claims is the world’s first flying car, during a livestreamed event at SpaceX’s Rocket Test and Development Center in McGregor, Texas. The highly anticipated vehicle, eight years in the making, aims to blend automotive engineering with aerospace technology, making headlines for its ambitious capabilities and the spectacle of its launch.
During the demonstration, the Roadster climbed a curved ramp shaped like half of a roller coaster loop, launched off, and performed a 180-degree flip in mid-air before landing on its wheels. The car utilized high-pressure gas boosters and thrusters to achieve this airborne maneuver, which Musk described as a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers. "Well, it worked!" Musk exclaimed after the stunt, which showcased the vehicle's potential to defy gravity.
The Tesla Roadster is equipped with cold-gas thrusters and a fan-based suction system that enables it to grip the road tightly, even upside down. This technology allows the car to achieve cornering forces greater than 2g, enhancing its performance on tracks. Musk claimed that the Roadster could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a remarkable 0.81 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by Tesla's now-discontinued Model S Plaid.
Tesla plans to produce three versions of the Roadster: the base Performance model, which will be road-ready but lacks the thrusters; the Thrust model, which will include rear-mounted thrusters for enhanced acceleration; and the Rocket model, an invite-only version equipped with the full flight system. The Rocket variant is expected to perform aerial maneuvers similar to those demonstrated during the launch, but Musk noted that it is not approved for public road use.
The announcement of the Roadster has already raised questions about its legality on public roads. Musk acknowledged that the vehicle might not be legal in every jurisdiction, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the vehicle does not meet the definition of an aircraft. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) typically oversees vehicle safety but has not provided comments on this specific model. This regulatory uncertainty could pose challenges for potential buyers.
The tech and business communities have responded with a mix of awe and skepticism. Some industry figures, like angel investor Jason Calacanis, described the vehicle as appearing "like science fiction" and expressed curiosity about its potential for sustained flight. Others, such as Gene Munster, a longtime tech analyst, viewed the demonstration as more of an engineering showcase than a commercially viable product, emphasizing that it could embarrass traditional automakers.
Former Meta CTO John Carmack voiced his concerns about the risks involved in flying cars, stating that the demonstration featured a non-trivial chance of failure. In a lighter vein, tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee questioned the feasibility of a 4,000-pound car performing flips and reaching speeds of over 380 mph, sarcastically asking if the presentation was a prank.
Analysts believe that the Roadster serves more as a branding exercise than a revenue driver for Tesla. Dan Ives of Yorkville Ives noted that the Roadster will not significantly impact Tesla's sales volume but will restore the brand's prestige at the high end of the market. He remarked that the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX demonstrates how the two companies can leverage their respective technologies to create innovative products.
Musk's foray into the flying car market marks a shift in his previously skeptical stance on the feasibility of such vehicles. In 2014, he expressed doubts about flying cars ever becoming a reality, but by 2017, he announced the development of the Roadster 2, which is now set to enter production in 2028.
As production is slated to begin in 2028, Tesla has yet to announce pricing details for the Roadster. Interested buyers can reserve the base model with a $5,000 deposit, with the Thrust model requiring a $250,000 deposit. The Rocket version will be available by invitation only. Musk has hinted at ambitious performance goals, aiming for the Roadster to reach half the speed of sound, approximately 383 mph, and a range of 300 miles on a single charge.