Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has unveiled a redesigned version of the company's Roadster sports car, featuring rocket-style thrusters capable of propelling the vehicle into the air during a demonstration in Texas, United States.
The vehicle was presented at a SpaceX facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a livestreamed event that showcased its experimental capabilities. Musk described the demonstration as evidence that flying cars could become a reality.
According to reports, the Roadster used high-pressure gas propulsion technology developed in collaboration with SpaceX to perform aerial manoeuvres, including a mid-air rotation, before landing on its wheels.
Musk said the vehicle's propulsion system uses ultra-high-pressure air tanks to generate the force required for the manoeuvres.
The demonstration highlighted the collaboration between Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, and SpaceX, Musk's aerospace company.
Despite the unveiling, the vehicle is not yet commercially available. Musk indicated that production is targeted for 2028, following years of delays since the next-generation Roadster was first announced in 2017.
The new Roadster's unusual capabilities have drawn attention to the technical and regulatory challenges associated with vehicles designed to operate both on roads and in the air.
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