Tesla has unveiled a new flying version of its Roadster sports car, using cold-gas thrusters to lift the vehicle into the air. The launch, presented by Elon Musk, included a live demonstration where the two-seater sped towards a line of parked cars, then barrel-rolled over traffic before landing.
How the flying Roadster works
The car is fitted with metal nozzles above the rear bumper, equipped with advanced cold-gas thrusters that blast out high-pressure air. Tesla says the Roadster also uses all-electric actuators, which offer precise thrust and can make micro adjustments within a fraction of a second while airborne.
Speaking at the launch, Musk joked that he needed an audience to “prove that it’s not AI”. He also said: “You're going to see what happens when you have a collaboration with the world's best car company and the world's best rocket company.”
Performance figures and rocket edition
Tesla says the new Roadster can hit 0-60mph in just over 0.8 seconds. A limited edition Rocket Roadster, fitted with six extra thruster nozzles, is also planned, with a 0-60mph time of 0.59 seconds. Both figures would beat the current quickest car from a standstill, the McMurtry Spéirling Pure, which sits at 1.55 seconds. The new Roadster is set to have a top speed of 230mph.
The car will also be equipped with a Track Mode, lowering the vehicle with high downforce to maximise traction and cornering.
Production and pricing
The prototype was first revealed in November 2017, and after almost a decade of delays, Tesla now says the car will go into production from 2028. Tesla has disclosed three reservation tiers, with deposits ranging from $50,000 (£37,488) to $250,000 (£187,441). The top-of-the-range Rocket model is likely to be invite-only.
Tesla is yet to reveal the car’s final price tag, but the Express car reporter Luke Chillingsworth described the launch as “one of the most exciting car launches we've ever seen” and called it “genius” for getting everyone talking about Tesla again.
