Tesla Unveils Next-Generation Roadster Featuring Flying Stunts and Rocket Thrusters

The vehicle was unveiled at a SpaceX testing facility in McGregor, Texas.

 

During the demonstration, the Roadster was shown lifting off the ground, performing mid-air manoeuvres and accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second. Following the presentation, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk remarked that flying cars could indeed become a reality. Lars Moravy, Tesla’s vice president of vehicle engineering, added that flying cars were no longer just a fantasy.

 

The dramatic showcase featured the new Roadster speeding up a massive curved ramp. A fan-based suction system reportedly kept the vehicle attached to the track even when it was completely upside down. The car then launched into the air using cold-gas thrusters, performed aerial manoeuvres and landed safely.

 

In another demonstration, the vehicle flew over several cars and semi-trucks before tilting sideways and landing successfully on the other side.

 

Musk said certain versions of the Roadster would be capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in less than a second, with a top speed exceeding 230 mph.

 

According to Tesla, conventional vehicles are limited by the traction their tyres can maintain on the road. The Roadster’s thruster system, however, generates four to five times more force than its tyres can provide. The company described the vehicle as the “best creation” in the history of human-driven cars.

 

Tesla executives said mass production of the vehicle is expected to begin in 2028.

 

When the original Roadster concept was introduced in 2017, its announced starting price was $200,000, equivalent to approximately Tk 24.6 million.

 

Following the unveiling, Tesla’s booking page reportedly listed a $50,000 reservation fee for the Performance version and a $250,000 booking fee for the Thruster version, which features acceleration thrusters. These amounts are equivalent to approximately Tk 6.15 million and Tk 30.7 million, respectively.

 

Tesla is also offering a special edition called the Rocket, which will be available exclusively by invitation. The single-seat version is expected to feature a complete flight system.