Elon Musk has unveiled a Tesla Roadster prototype equipped with air thrusters, demonstrating aerial maneuvers at a Texas test facility while leaving questions about sustained flight and road legality unanswered.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk demonstrated the Roadster 2 at a SpaceX development and testing facility in Texas on Thursday, presenting the two-seat sports car as a vehicle capable of flying using technology developed with his aerospace company.
During the staged demonstration, the remotely controlled prototype climbed a curved ramp using suction, traveled upside down and launched into the air before landing with the help of thrusters.
It later jumped over a row of Tesla vehicles. Musk also claimed the car could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than one second.
The demonstration, however, did not establish that the vehicle could maintain flight over meaningful distances or travel through the air like a conventional aircraft.
The prototype reportedly uses 10 nozzles and high-pressure air tanks to generate thrust.
Musk described the technology as a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, although detailed performance specifications were not provided.
Musk said the Roadster is expected to enter production in 2028. Tesla has previously faced delays in meeting announced development timelines, leaving the proposed schedule uncertain.
Reservation information displayed after the event listed a $50,000 deposit for a performance version and a $250,000 deposit for the thrust version.
A single-seat rocket variant featuring a full flight system was listed as invitation-only. Tesla also indicated that flying the vehicle would not be permitted on public roads.
The demonstration has yet to establish whether the Roadster can perform sustained flight.
Roger Connor, curator for vertical flight at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, questioned whether a road-legal vehicle could combine the requirements of a practical car and aircraft without significant compromises.
California startup Alef is also developing a flying vehicle using multiple propellers. Its CEO, Jim Dukhovny, told CNN that transitioning from vertical lift to forward flight remains a major engineering challenge.
For now, Tesla has demonstrated aerial maneuvers rather than proven long-range flight. Whether the Roadster can deliver the broader flying-car capability Musk described remains unresolved.
SOURCES:
The Guardian
