Tesla Unveils Flying Roadster With SpaceX Rocket Thrusters

Tesla unveiled a new Roadster equipped with rocket thrusters developed by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. that allow the vehicle to fly and hover for short durations. The company targets production for 2028, though the vehicle faces potential regulatory hurdles and a high price point that could limit its market viability.

This innovation arrives as Tesla faces pressure on gross margins and a slower-than-expected rollout of its robotaxi service. Analysts indicate that the company's valuation remains high relative to current performance, suggesting that growth through 2030 will depend on its broader tech ecosystem, including the Terafab semiconductor plant and the Optimus humanoid robot.

Speculation has also emerged regarding a potential merger between Tesla and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. by the end of the decade, possibly through an all-stock acquisition of Tesla by the larger aerospace firm.