Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has unveiled a new Roadster sports car featuring thrusters designed to lift it into the air. The demonstration took place Thursday at a SpaceX facility in Texas. Musk presented the vehicle as a flying car, although its future success remains uncertain.
The company streamed the unveiling live through Tesla’s account on X. During the demonstration, the vehicle launched from a steep ramp before landing on its wheels. Musk told viewers that flying cars were becoming reality. However, he acknowledged that the new vehicle’s success was not guaranteed.
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Musk said the Roadster uses ultra-high-pressure air tanks to generate the force needed to propel itself upward. He described the project as a collaboration between Tesla, the electric carmaker, and SpaceX, his rocket company. The demonstration offered a glimpse of the technology behind the experimental vehicle.
The billionaire entrepreneur also announced plans to begin production in 2028. However, the announcement did not establish whether the car would meet all technical and regulatory requirements. Musk expressed confidence in the project while recognising that its success remained uncertain.
Do a kickflip! https://t.co/DJ1Bq1yu8m
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
Flying cars have attracted interest for more than a century. American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss introduced an early flying car prototype in 1917. Since then, inventors have continued exploring ways to combine road travel with flight, but practical challenges have limited progress.
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In recent years, advances in electric motors and high-performance batteries have encouraged renewed interest in flying vehicle designs. Nevertheless, technical difficulties and aviation regulations continue to create significant obstacles for the industry. These challenges have prevented flying cars from becoming widely available for everyday use.
Tesla’s planned 2028 production target represents the next major milestone for the Roadster project. However, the company’s announcement does not confirm when customers might receive vehicles or how the flying system will operate in everyday conditions. Further developments will determine whether the experimental design can progress towards commercial production.