Elon Musk Demonstrates Tesla Roadster with Air-Thruster Lift at SpaceX Facility

Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a prototype of the new Roadster sports car at a SpaceX test facility in Texas, demonstrating a lift-off using ultra high-pressure air thrusters. During the livestreamed demo, the vehicle was launched from a curved ramp, rolled 180 degrees in mid-air and landed on its wheels.

"Flying cars are real," Musk said, adding that the vehicle’s success is not guaranteed but "it will probably work."

Musk described the project as a collaboration between "the world's best car company and the world's best rocket company," referring to Tesla and SpaceX. He indicated that production could begin in 2028, though pricing details were not disclosed. Tesla’s website notes that the flying version is not approved for public road use, and reservations are currently limited to the non-flying model with a $5,000 deposit.

Wall Street analyst Dan Ives of Yorkville Ives commented that the Roadster is unlikely to drive significant volume or revenue growth, but it could enhance Tesla’s brand image and highlight the engineering synergy between the two companies.

Regulatory oversight remains uncertain. A senior U.S. Transportation Department official expressed skepticism about the vehicle’s ability to take off, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not responded to inquiries. The Federal Aviation Administration indicated the prototype does not meet its definition of an aircraft.