Tesla has unveiled its long-awaited next-generation Roadster, showcasing an electric sports car that can perform midair maneuvers using rocket-style thrusters developed with technology from SpaceX.
The vehicle made its debut Thursday night, Oct. 15, at a SpaceX testing facility in McGregor, Texas, near Waco. During the demonstration, the Roadster drove up an inverted ramp, launched into the air, performed a flip and used its thrusters to help stabilize its landing.
Real life, baby pic.twitter.com/3QEqn18wig
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
The demonstration also showed the vehicle jumping over a lineup of Tesla vehicles, including a Cybertruck and a Tesla Semi.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said production is expected to begin in 2028, extending the wait for a vehicle first introduced in 2017.
The redesigned Roadster combines electric vehicle technology with compressed-air propulsion systems inspired by SpaceX.
According to the company’s presentation, the vehicle uses 10 thruster nozzles and high-pressure air tanks to help it perform brief airborne maneuvers. A fan-powered suction system beneath the car is also designed to generate downforce, allowing the vehicle to maintain traction during high-performance driving.
Tesla’s vehicle engineering chief, Lars Moravy, said the Roadster is designed to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than one second.
However, the airborne demonstrations do not mean the vehicle can sustain flight like a conventional aircraft.
Musk also acknowledged during the presentation that the vehicle’s unusual capabilities could raise questions about whether it would be legal in every jurisdiction.
Holy smokes pic.twitter.com/rTnRobllwc
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
Tesla is offering three versions of the Roadster: Performance, Thrust and Rocket.
The Performance model is described as the road-ready version, while the Thrust model adds cold-gas thrusters. The Rocket version is designed for more advanced flight capabilities and is listed as available by invitation.
Tesla’s reservation page lists a $50,000 reservation payment for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version. The Rocket model is invite-only.
The company says the vehicle will have a range of more than 300 miles and a top speed exceeding 230 mph.
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
Tesla first introduced plans for the next-generation Roadster in 2017, promising a high-performance electric sports car. The vehicle’s development has faced repeated delays since then.
The latest unveiling puts the Roadster back in the spotlight, although customers will have to wait until at least the targeted 2028 production start to see whether the vehicle’s ambitious performance claims translate into a production model.
