Tesla unveils what it says is a flying car, pushing boundaries of personal transport

Tesla has officially unveiled what it describes as a flying car, the new Roadster, during a demonstration event held on October 15, 2026, at a SpaceX facility in Texas. The electric supercar, developed in collaboration with SpaceX, employs ten thrusters linked to high-pressure compressed air tanks to achieve short bursts of airborne movement. During the presentation, the Roadster notably drove upside down on a ramp before launching into the air, executing flips, and landing successfully, showcasing its unique propulsion and suction systems. It also demonstrated rapid acceleration, reportedly achieving 0 to 60 mph in under a second for its most advanced "Rocket" variant.

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, announced that production for the new Roadster is anticipated to commence in 2028. The vehicle is expected to be offered in various configurations, including an "air ready" version designed for single-occupant flight. Despite the impressive public demonstration, industry experts note that transitioning from short aerial maneuvers to practical, long-range flying capabilities for a car of its size still presents substantial engineering and regulatory challenges.