Tesla Demonstrates Roadster Acceleration and Flight Capabilities at Texas Event
Tesla showcased its upcoming Roadster, highlighting sub-second 0-60 mph acceleration and a mid-air flip using thrusters, and announced production slated for 2028.
Tesla unveiled its next-generation Roadster on Thursday at a test site in McGregor, Texas, where the vehicle accelerated up a curved ramp, engaged fan-based suction, and used cold-gas thrusters developed with SpaceX to launch, flip in midair and land safely. The demonstration included the Roadster clearing a line of cars and a semi-truck before landing on the opposite side.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, said the performance shows that “the future does have flying cars.” Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy added that “flying cars are real.”
Tesla said the Roadster can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than one second and reach a top speed above 230 mph, citing the thruster system’s ability to generate four to five times the force of tire grip. The company posted the claim on its X account, noting that the additional force improves acceleration without changing vehicle mass.
Production of the Roadster is planned to begin in 2028. Reservation options disclosed at the event include a $50,000 payment for a “Performance” version and a $250,000 payment for a “Thrust” version equipped with acceleration thrusters; an invite-only “Rocket” variant is described as a single-seat model with a full flight system.