Tesla unveils next-gen Roadster with demonstrable airborne capability

Tesla introduced the next-generation Roadster at a Texas facility owned by SpaceX, presenting a dramatic demonstration of the car’s airborne capability. The two-seat EV, marketed as a halo vehicle, can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than one second and features cold-gas thrusters that enable it to lift, flip and land without a driver on board. Elon Musk described the successful landing as proof that “flying cars are real,” while Lars Moravy explained the technology behind the multi-mode suction system and thrusters.

The company’s website touts the Roadster as an “extra-terrestrial” experience that blends road performance with rocket-like features, though the flight mode is not approved for public roads and will be offered by invitation only. Production is planned for 2028, and the vehicle incorporates additional SpaceX components to enhance its performance. The unveiling underscores Tesla’s push to blend automotive and aerospace technologies in a high-performance sports car.