Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a new Roadster sports car Thursday, demonstrating a vehicle capable of briefly lifting off the ground and accelerating from zero to 60 mph in less than one second.
The demonstration took place at a SpaceX testing facility in Texas, where the two-seat vehicle used high-pressure air jets to perform airborne maneuvers.
The driverless Roadster climbed a steep ramp, remained suspended upside down using suction technology, then flipped through the air and landed with the assistance of air jets. It later jumped over several parked Tesla vehicles.
“Success is not guaranteed,” Musk told the audience, explaining that the demonstration was conducted without a driver for safety reasons.
Production Planned for 2028
Musk said the Roadster uses 10 nozzles and ultra-high-pressure air tanks to generate thrust for both acceleration and short airborne movements.
Tesla plans to begin production in 2028, although Musk has previously missed several announced production deadlines.
The demonstration did not establish whether the vehicle could achieve sustained flight or travel significant distances through the air.
Aviation Experts Raise Questions over Flying Cars
Roger Connor, curator for vertical flight at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, told CNN that combining aircraft capabilities with road-vehicle safety requirements presents major engineering challenges.
California-based startup Alef has also developed a lightweight vehicle capable of vertical takeoff using eight propellers, although its design remains subject to technical limitations.
Alef CEO Jim Dukhovny said the greatest challenge involves transitioning safely from vertical lift to forward movement.
Connor questioned whether a road-legal vehicle could achieve sustained flight.
“We’re not talking about sustained flight,” he said. “We are literally talking about hopping.”
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