Tesla Flying Roadster Revealed With SpaceX Thrusters
Nearly nine years after its original announcement, Tesla has finally unveiled the next-generation Roadster, and its most surprising feature has little to do with conventional electric-car performance. Revealed at SpaceX's testing facility in Texas, the redesigned electric supercar demonstrated the ability to drive upside down, briefly take flight, and land using a combination of powerful suction fans and rocket-inspired compressed-air thrusters. It's an extraordinary demonstration of engineering, although production is not expected until 2028.
The highlight of the unveiling was a dramatic stunt involving a massive curved ramp. A remotely operated Roadster prototype climbed the structure using an underbody fan system capable of generating up to 2G of suction, allowing the car to remain attached to the track while inverted. As it left the ramp, SpaceX-developed cold-gas thrusters helped control its movement through the air before it landed upright. A second demonstration saw the car leap over a lineup of Tesla vehicles, illustrating the potential of its unconventional propulsion system.
The technology relies on two high-pressure carbon-composite air tanks feeding ten thrusters positioned around the vehicle. Four rear-facing nozzles provide additional acceleration, while six downward-facing thrusters enable the airborne maneuvers. Unlike traditional rockets, the system uses compressed air rather than combustible fuel. Tesla also demonstrated a claimed 0–60 mph acceleration time of just 0.81 seconds, although independent performance testing has yet to confirm the figure.
The new Roadster features dramatic aerodynamic bodywork, active rear wing technology, and a driver-focused cockpit with a steer-by-wire yoke. Tesla plans three configurations: a Performance version with active aerodynamics and a suction system, a Thrust model with additional acceleration thrusters, and an invitation-only Rocket variant with the full flight-capable arrangement. The company currently claims a top speed exceeding 230 mph and a driving range of more than 300 miles, with even more ambitious performance targets for future development.
Originally revealed in 2017 with promises of 620 miles of range and a $200,000 starting price, the Roadster has experienced years of delays. Tesla now targets 2028 for production, although final pricing and road-legal capabilities remain uncertain. For now, the new Roadster is a remarkable technological showcase that raises an intriguing question about how far the boundaries between supercars and aerospace engineering can be pushed. Watch the insane capabilities of the car in the video below.
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