Newsmakers

Elon Musk has brought his long-promised vision of a flying car a step closer to reality after Tesla unveiled its next-generation Roadster with rocket-style thrusters capable of lifting the electric sports car into the air.

The futuristic vehicle was showcased at an event in Texas on October 15, where a dramatic demonstration featured the Roadster performing aerial manoeuvres, briefly leaving the ground and landing back on the pavement. The unveiling has reignited interest in Tesla’s long-delayed electric supercar and its collaboration with Musk’s aerospace company, SpaceX.

The demonstration marks a striking development for a vehicle that was first announced in 2017 but has faced repeated production delays.

Tesla Roadster 2 Demonstrates Flying-Car Capabilities
The highlight of the launch was a demonstration in which the Roadster used specialised propulsion technology to perform manoeuvres rarely associated with conventional cars.

According to reports, the vehicle drove up an inverted ramp, turned in mid-air and descended using its thrusters. It was also shown lifting over other Tesla vehicles during the presentation.

The system combines rocket-style cold-gas thrusters with a suction-based mechanism. The suction system helps the vehicle travel along an inverted surface, while the thrusters provide the force required for its airborne movements.

The technology has been developed in collaboration with SpaceX, bringing elements of aerospace engineering into an electric sports car.

However, the demonstration should not be confused with a conventional flying car capable of taking off, travelling long distances through the air and landing independently like an aircraft. The Roadster’s flight-like capabilities remain highly specialised, and its suitability for everyday transportation has yet to be established.

Tesla Claims Blistering Acceleration and High Top Speed
Apart from its unusual aerial capabilities, the new Roadster is expected to deliver extreme performance on the road.

Tesla executives said the vehicle could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour (around 97 kmph) in less than one second. The company also cited a top speed exceeding 230 mph (approximately 370 kmph) and a driving range of more than 300 miles (around 480 km) on a single charge.

These figures underline Tesla’s ambition to position the Roadster as a high-performance electric supercar rather than simply an experimental flying vehicle.

The final specifications, however, will need to be confirmed as the car moves closer to production.

When Will Tesla Roadster 2 Be Available?
Tesla has indicated that production of the next-generation Roadster is planned to begin in 2028. This means customers will have to wait longer before the vehicle becomes commercially available.

The company has also outlined different versions, including a model equipped with acceleration thrusters and a specialised, invite-only variant described as having a full flight system.

Reports following the unveiling indicated reservation deposits of $50,000 for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version. The final retail prices and complete specifications have not been confirmed.

The timeline is particularly significant given the Roadster's history. Tesla originally introduced the second-generation model in 2017 and had previously suggested that deliveries would begin years ago.

Elon Musk’s Flying-Car Vision
Musk has discussed the possibility of incorporating rocket thrusters into the Roadster for several years. The latest demonstration offers a glimpse of how Tesla and SpaceX technology could be combined to push the boundaries of conventional vehicle design.

Nevertheless, significant questions remain about safety, regulatory approval, practical usability and the feasibility of deploying such technology on public roads.

For now, the Roadster 2 is best viewed as an ambitious engineering showcase rather than proof that flying cars are about to become commonplace.

If Tesla delivers the promised capabilities and brings the vehicle into production, the Roadster could become one of the most unusual electric cars ever offered to consumers. Until then, the prospect of everyday flying cars remains a work in progress.