Tesla has unveiled a dramatic demonstration of its next-generation Roadster, showcasing a vehicle fitted with SpaceX-inspired thrusters that can propel it into the air, rotate mid-flight and land beyond a row of parked cars.
The demonstration took place at a SpaceX test facility in Texas on Oct 15, attracting attention for bringing Elon Musk’s long-promised vision of a rocket-powered sports car closer to reality. Tesla is now targeting 2028 for mass production, although the vehicle’s development has already experienced several delays.
According to reports by international media outlets, including the Financial Times, the Roadster was shown performing a vertical ascent before rotating sideways in mid-air and landing on the other side of several parked Tesla vehicles.
SpaceX technology gives the Roadster a flying capability
Unlike conventional electric vehicles, which depend on tyre traction to accelerate and manoeuvre, the new Roadster incorporates thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX. The system uses bursts of compressed gas to assist the vehicle’s movement, potentially allowing it to perform manoeuvres that would otherwise be impossible for a road car.
Tesla claims the sports car can accelerate from zero to 60mph (approximately 97km/h) in less than one second. Its stated top speed is 230mph (around 370km/h), placing it among the most ambitious performance vehicles announced by the electric carmaker.
However, the demonstration does not necessarily mean the Roadster will be able to fly freely like a conventional aircraft. Its aerial manoeuvres rely on specialised propulsion technology, and the practical limitations, operating requirements and safety implications of using such a system on public roads remain unclear.
Elon Musk admits safety and road legality remain concerns
Musk acknowledged that the vehicle would not necessarily prioritise safety above all other considerations, while maintaining that it would still be capable of driving on actual roads.
He also admitted that its legality could vary between jurisdictions, raising questions about whether a vehicle equipped with rocket-style propulsion could satisfy existing road transport regulations.
The Roadster has been one of Musk’s most closely watched projects since it was first unveiled in 2017. Tesla initially promised customer deliveries in 2020, but the deadline passed without the car reaching buyers. The latest target of 2028 represents another significant delay for a vehicle that has spent years in development.
Musk first discussed installing cold-gas thrusters on the Roadster in 2018, suggesting that technology associated with SpaceX’s reusable rocket programme could give the sports car extraordinary performance capabilities. The latest demonstration appears to bring that long-standing concept closer to a tangible product, although commercial availability has yet to be established.
Ahead of the unveiling, Musk described the event on X as a potential contender for the greatest product demonstration ever. He also cautioned that the Roadster was unlikely to sell in large enough numbers to have a substantial impact on Tesla’s overall financial performance.
Tesla shifts focus towards robots and autonomous vehicles
The unveiling comes as Tesla increasingly focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous transport alongside its electric vehicle business.
The company has been reshaping its manufacturing priorities, with plans to use production capacity at its California and Texas facilities for projects including humanoid robots and autonomous taxis. In January 2026, Tesla halted production of its Model S sedan and Model X SUV as it redirected attention towards initiatives such as the Cybercab and Optimus robot.
The Model 3 and Model Y remain the main contributors to Tesla’s vehicle sales. Meanwhile, the Cybertruck, introduced in 2023, has been viewed as falling short of the company’s sales expectations.
Tesla has also been expanding its commercial vehicle ambitions. Its Semi electric truck entered mass production in Nevada in 2026, marking another step in the company’s efforts to develop vehicles beyond its established passenger car range.
Can Tesla turn its flying Roadster into a commercial product?
Despite the spectacle of the demonstration, the Roadster faces substantial challenges before it can become a commercially available vehicle. Engineers will need to address propulsion reliability, passenger protection, energy requirements and regulatory approval, particularly if the car is expected to perform aerial manoeuvres outside controlled test environments.
The distinction between a demonstration vehicle and a production-ready car is also important. Tesla’s performance claims and 2028 production target will ultimately need to be supported by a finished product that can meet applicable safety and certification requirements.
For now, the Roadster represents an ambitious attempt to combine high-performance electric motoring with rocket-inspired technology. Whether the vehicle can move beyond spectacular demonstrations and reach customers remains to be seen.