Austin, Texas Oct 16: Electric vehicle giant Tesla has stunned audiences with a dramatic demonstration of its long-awaited next-generation Roadster, showcasing a vehicle that briefly takes flight, performs a mid-air flip and lands safely.
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The demonstration took place on October 15 at a SpaceX test facility in McGregor, Texas, where Tesla CEO Elon Musk presented a glimpse of what could be a radical new direction for high-performance electric cars.
“Turns out the future does have flying cars,” Musk said, highlighting the vehicle’s extraordinary capabilities.
How does the flying Roadster work?
According to Tesla, the Roadster combines an advanced fan-based suction system with compressed-gas thrusters developed using technology associated with SpaceX. The suction system generates powerful downforce, allowing the vehicle to remain attached to a specially designed ramp—even when upside down.
The thrusters help the vehicle lift off briefly, adjust its position in the air and perform aerial manoeuvres. During the demonstration, the Roadster was also shown completing a mid-air flip before returning to the ground.
Tesla claims the vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than a second in its most powerful configuration. However, this performance figure has not been independently verified.
Three versions, different capabilities
Tesla has outlined different configurations of the Roadster, including a performance-focused model and more advanced versions equipped with thruster technology. The most ambitious variant is designed to demonstrate short airborne movements, although it is not approved for ordinary public-road use.
Despite the spectacular showcase, the demonstration does not mean flying cars are ready for everyday travel. The technology remains experimental, and questions surrounding safety, certification and practical use still need to be addressed.
When will it reach the market?
The Roadster has been anticipated for years, with production plans repeatedly delayed since its original unveiling in 2017. Musk has indicated that production is expected to begin in 2028, although the timeline could change.
Tesla has yet to establish that all the capabilities demonstrated in the prototype will be available in a production vehicle.
The latest demonstration nevertheless puts the spotlight back on Tesla’s ambition to push the boundaries of electric vehicle engineering—and raises a fascinating question: could cars one day do more than simply drive on roads?
