In brief
- Tesla showcased a new Roadster on October 15 that drove up an inverted ramp, flipped mid-air, and landed on its wheels using cold-gas thrusters co-developed with SpaceX.
- Reservations start at $50,000 for the Performance trim and $250,000 for the Thrust variant, while the single-seat Rocket model is invite-only; production is slated to begin in 2028.
- Tesla confirms the flying version is not certified for public road use, and neither FAA nor road safety approvals have been reported.
Tesla’s next-generation Roadster performed a dramatic demonstration on October 15 at a SpaceX test facility in Texas. The vehicle drove up an inverted ramp, launched into the air, executed a mid-flight flip, and landed upright—all powered by cold-gas thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX.
The livestreamed showcase generated significant buzz across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where the announcement amassed over 10 million views.
Even Musk’s former collaborator and current competitor Sam Altman praised the demonstration on X, writing, “Wow the new roadster looks quite amazing, good job.” This rare commendation comes from an individual who initially reserved a Roadster in 2018 and waited 7.5 years to receive a refund.
The vehicle has become a topic of widespread discussion, though ownership remains limited to a select few for the foreseeable future.
The key technology enabling this levitating capability lies in cold-gas thrusters—essentially compressed air expelled through nozzles rather than traditional combustion. Lars Moravy, Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, explained that ten thrusters are connected to 600 liters of compressed air, utilizing technology adapted from SpaceX to achieve the effect.
According to specifications, the Roadster promises a top speed exceeding 230 mph, over 300 miles of range, and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under one second. During the live demonstration, Tesla reported a time of 0.81 seconds, with the single-seat Rocket variant listed at less than 0.59 seconds.
Musk first hinted at these capabilities in October 2023 during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, suggesting the next Roadster might incorporate flight capability and describing it as “more extraordinary than all the James Bond cars combined.” Tesla now markets the vehicle as “the pinnacle of the last generation of human-driven automobiles.”
While Tesla has yet to announce official pricing for all variants, reservations are currently being accepted at $50,000 for the two-seat Performance model and $250,000 for the Thrust version, with a $5,000 deposit required upfront and the remaining balance due within ten days.
The Rocket variant, featuring a complete flight system, accommodates a single occupant, has no published price point, and is available exclusively by invitation. Musk indicated that manufacturing will commence in 2028.
Consequently, acquiring one of these vehicles will require selection by the company itself.
Tesla’s official website explicitly states that the airborne version of the Roadster is not certified for use on public roads, and when questioned about its street legality, Musk responded that it “depends on your definition of street.” As of now, no formal approvals from the FAA or transportation safety authorities have been documented, meaning even invite recipients would not be permitted to operate it on conventional roadways.
Legalizing a vehicle capable of both ground travel and flight typically involves compliance with multiple regulatory bodies. Automotive manufacturers in the United States self-certify adherence to federal safety standards, while aircraft require an airworthiness certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the FAA, the process of certifying a novel aircraft type can take anywhere from five to nine years.
Historical precedent for flying automobiles is limited. One of the most notable examples is the Alef Aeronautics Model A, which secured an experimental airworthiness certificate from the FAA in June 2023. This approval enabled flight testing and represented a preliminary milestone in pursuit of full type certification.
Some U.S. states have begun addressing the emergence of roadable aircraft. Minnesota recently enacted legislation allowing residents to own such vehicles, though it prohibits takeoff and landing on public roadways. Similarly, New Hampshire passed a law in 2020 granting citizens the right to possess flying cars.
Operating a dual-purpose vehicle like this will likely necessitate specialized licensing beyond standard driver credentials.
Energy consumption presents another challenge. A 2021 study published in the journal Joule found that electric aircraft require between 500 and 900 watts per kilogram to maintain hover—a figure significantly higher than the 150 to 350 watts needed during forward flight. In simpler terms, sustaining stationary flight demands substantially more power than typical operation.
Tesla’s reliance on cold-gas propulsion circumvents this limitation, which may explain why the demonstration emphasized jumps and flips rather than sustained aerial movement from one location to another.
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