Tesla shows Roadster prototype with upside‑down ramp stunt, thruster lift, and 2028 production target
At a live event in Texas, Tesla demonstrated a new Roadster that drove up a curved ramp, was held upside down by suction fans, and was propelled upward with cold‑gas thrusters before touching down upright. The company said the vehicle weighs over 4,000 lb, can accelerate from 0‑60 mph in about 0.81 seconds, reach speeds above 380 mph and generate up to 2 g of downforce. Customers may place a provisional reservation of up to $250,000, but the contract notes the final price will be set nearer production and delivery is not guaranteed. Regulators are unsure which agency should certify the vehicle, with the NHTSA typically overseeing road cars and the FAA stating the model does not fit its aircraft definition, raising questions about whether owners will need a pilot’s license.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 32h later
- Coverage peaked at 9 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The prototype blurs the line between car and aircraft, potentially reshaping personal transport and prompting new safety and licensing rules.
How this story developed
- Oct 12 Elon Musk spends $366 million to bolster Republican candidates before midterms
- Oct 12 Specific contribution amounts to individual super PACs were disclosed.
- Oct 13 Texas polls show Democrat James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton.
- Oct 14 Tesla showcased its new Roadster sports EV at a SpaceX test site in Texas, demonstrating a jump and flip using cold-gas thrusters.
- Oct 14 Elon Musk said special committees at Tesla and SpaceX are examining a possible merger, a move that could create a $5 trillion conglomerate.
- Oct 16 Total spending on Republican‑aligned committees and organizations is reported at $366 million.
- Oct 16 Tesla disclosed the Roadster’s price of $200,000 and a $50,000 reservation fee.
- Oct 16 Reservation amounts may be up to $250,000 and are provisional.
- Oct 19 Elon Musk announced on X that each child in the United States will receive one SpaceX share next year, but gave no details on timing or eligibility.
- Oct 19 Musk clarified that the share distribution is planned for 2027.
- Oct 20 Musk’s recent remarks have renewed talk of a merger.
- Oct 21 Elon Musk announced that each company has formed a special committee to explore a merger.
- Oct 21 Musk disclosed the formation of the committees during SpaceX’s earnings webcast.
- Oct 22 The FAA said the Roadster does not meet its definition of an aircraft, sparking debate over pilot‑license requirements.
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