Tesla Unveils Flying Roadster with SpaceX Thruster Technology
Tesla revealed a second-generation Roadster capable of aerial maneuvers and 0-60 mph acceleration in 0.81 seconds, with production scheduled for 2028.
Tesla unveiled the second-generation Roadster on October 15, 2026, during a livestreamed event at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas. Developed in collaboration with Space Exploration Technologies Corp., the electric sports car features cold-gas thrusters that allow it to perform aerial maneuvers, including barrel rolls and a 360-degree horizontal flip known as a kickflip. During the demonstration, the vehicle accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 0.81 seconds.
Elon Musk announced that production is planned for 2028. The vehicle will be offered in three trims: a road-ready Performance version, a race-ready Thrust version, and an invite-only Rocket version equipped with a full flight system. Reservations require deposits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, though Tesla noted that final pricing is not yet determined and delivery is not guaranteed.
The reveal follows nearly a decade of delays since the vehicle's 2017 debut, leading some early reservation holders, such as YouTuber Marques Brownlee and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, to cancel their deposits. Musk characterized the Roadster as the last manually-driven car Tesla intends to produce long-term, while acknowledging it is not necessarily a safety-optimized vehicle.
While the event caused a brief increase in Tesla's share price, some analysts dismissed the demonstration as an engineering flex with limited commercial value. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency noted that any vehicle operating as an aircraft must meet applicable aviation safety requirements. The launch occurs as Tesla shifts its primary focus toward robotics and self-driving technology, including the Cybercab and Optimus humanoid robots.
