Five things to know about Tesla’s new flying car concept

American multinational automotive and clean energy company, Tesla, has demonstrated a new version of its Roadster sports car that can launch into the air using rocket-inspired thrusters, with CEO Elon Musk saying production will not begin until 2028.

The demonstration took place at a SpaceX testing facility in Texas, United States on Thursday, where the vehicle showcased its ability to jump over other cars, perform a barrel roll and land using cold-gas thrusters. The display marked another milestone for the second-generation Roadster, which Tesla first unveiled in 2017.

Despite the demonstration, Tesla has yet to announce the car’s price or release date. The company has outlined three versions of the vehicle, while questions remain about the legality of its airborne capabilities, particularly for use on public roads.

In this article, Tribune Online presents five things to know about Tesla’s new Roadster concept.

Production will not begin until 2028

Despite unveiling the vehicle eight years after its initial announcement, Tesla has yet to begin production of the second-generation Roadster.

Musk said production would not start until 2028, extending a timeline that has already been pushed back several times. When the vehicle was first unveiled in 2017, the company initially promised production in 2020.

Tesla has continued accepting reservations from prospective buyers despite the repeated delays.

The vehicle can jump over cars and perform a barrel roll

During Thursday’s demonstration, the Roadster drove up a curved ramp resembling half of a roller coaster loop before accelerating into the air and clearing five other Tesla vehicles. It then landed gently using cold-gas thrusters.

Musk told the live audience before the demonstration that what they were about to see “was not AI or SI.”

After the first stunt, he said, “Well, it worked!” Musk also acknowledged the potential safety concerns surrounding the vehicle, adding that “it’s not necessarily a safety-optimized car.”

The demonstration continued with the vehicle jumping 27 feet into the air while performing a barrel roll, according to Tesla. It landed safely after the manoeuvre.

Tesla plans three versions of the Roadster

Tesla intends to offer three versions of the vehicle, each designed for a different level of performance and functionality.

The base model, called Performance, will be designed to be “road-ready”. It will feature the suction system that holds the car against the road but will not have thrusters.

The Thrust version will be designed to be “race-ready” and will include rear-mounted thrusters to improve acceleration.

ALSO READ: Elon Musk’s SpaceX acquires xAI

The third version, Rocket, will be designed to be “air-ready” and available by invitation only. According to Tesla, it will accommodate one person and feature cold-gas thrusters positioned around the car’s perimeter, enabling the airborne manoeuvres demonstrated at the event.

Its speed and range claims remain key selling points

Tesla said the Roadster accelerated from zero to 60 miles per hour in 0.81 seconds during the demonstration. That would be more than a second faster than the company’s current fastest time, achieved by the now-discontinued Model S Plaid.

Musk also outlined the vehicle’s intended performance targets, saying he wants it to “crack halfway to the speed of sound,” equivalent to about 383 mph.

That target is more than 150 mph above the currently announced top speed.

On range, Musk said the Roadster would be capable of travelling 300 miles on a single charge when released. That figure is less than half the range he originally promised when he announced the vehicle.

The flying features raise questions about road legality and cost

The Roadster’s ability to launch into the air could limit where owners are permitted to use its most unusual features.

Musk acknowledged that the vehicle might not be legal in every jurisdiction, while Tesla has said the Rocket version is not approved for public roads.

The company has yet to announce an official price or release date for the new Roadster.