TEXAS: Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has unveiled a futuristic version of the company’s next-generation Roadster, showcasing a sports car capable of brief airborne manoeuvres using rocket-inspired technology developed in collaboration with SpaceX.
The vehicle was demonstrated on October 15 at a SpaceX testing facility in Texas, where it launched from a ramp, briefly lifted into the air and landed on its wheels. Musk described the demonstration as evidence that flying cars could become a reality. However, the technology remains experimental and the vehicle is not yet available to consumers.
The Roadster uses ultra-high-pressure gas tanks and thrusters to generate thrust, allowing it to perform short airborne movements and mid-air turns. A specialised suction system also enables the vehicle to travel upside down under controlled demonstration conditions.
Musk has said production is expected to begin in 2028, although the company has not guaranteed a delivery timeline. The car’s unusual capabilities have attracted attention, but questions remain over its practicality, affordability and regulatory approval.
The demonstration vehicle was operated remotely for safety reasons, highlighting the engineering challenges involved in developing a car that can briefly leave the ground. Aviation and road-safety regulations could also complicate efforts to use such technology on public roads.
The unveiling marks another development in Musk’s long-running ambition to combine automotive engineering with aerospace technology. Tesla has promoted the Roadster as a high-performance electric sports car, while SpaceX brings expertise in rocket engineering. For now, the unveiling offers a glimpse of an ambitious transportation concept rather than an immediate alternative to conventional cars or aircraft.