Tesla has unveiled its redesigned Tesla Roadster, an electric sports car equipped with SpaceX-designed thrusters that demonstrated aerial manoeuvres during an event in Texas on October 15, 2026. According to Reuters, the company plans to begin production in 2028.

The two-seater vehicle was unveiled at a SpaceX testing facility in McGregor, Texas. The event was livestreamed, showcasing the vehicle’s capabilities, including driving upside down on a ramp, performing aerial manoeuvres and landing using built-in thrusters.

The demonstration also featured the Roadster jumping over other vehicles. The technology was developed through collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

However, describing the vehicle as a flying car requires some clarification. The demonstration showed the sports car performing brief aerial manoeuvres using its thrusters, rather than sustained flight associated with conventional aircraft.

According to Reuters, the use of these features on public roads and their legal status remain unclear.

Tesla has targeted 2028 for production of the redesigned Roadster, nearly nine years after revealing the second-generation model in 2017. At the time, the company initially expected deliveries to begin in 2020.

During the unveiling, Tesla’s vehicle engineering chief, Lars Moravy, said the Roadster could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second and reach a top speed exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h). The company also claims the vehicle can travel more than 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge.

The announcement comes as Tesla continues to expand its focus on autonomous driving technology and robotics alongside its electric vehicle business. The Roadster offers a high-performance vehicle concept that combines automotive engineering with propulsion technology developed for aerospace applications.

For now, the Tesla Roadster demonstration has generated interest in the possibility of integrating thruster technology into a road vehicle. Further details about production specifications, safety requirements and regulatory approvals will be important in determining how these capabilities translate into a commercially available model.

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