Elon Musk Unveils ‘Flying’ Tesla Roadster, But There’s A Catch: It Won’t Land Until 2028 | Video

Tesla, led by billionaire Elon Musk, unveiled its next-generation Roadster on Thursday, drawing attention with videos showing the electric sports car performing aerial manoeuvres. The company claims that the vehicle’s most extreme version can fly, using a combination of a suction system and cold-gas thrusters developed with components from Musk’s rocket company, SpaceX.

Tesla has opened reservations for the Roadster, which will be available in three variants: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. However, production is scheduled to begin in 2028, more than a decade after the company first showcased a next-generation version of its electric sports car.

Real life, baby https://t.co/3QEqn18wig

— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026

Three Variants, Different Capabilities

The Performance model is designed

for road and track use. It will be a two-seater featuring active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system intended to improve downforce and overall performance.

According to Tesla, the system uses fans and a ground-sealing mechanism to draw air from beneath the vehicle. The resulting suction is claimed to be strong enough to hold the car upside down, even when stationary. Active wings are designed to improve traction and cornering speeds.

Drivers will also be able to select Track Mode, which lowers the vehicle and adjusts its suspension. High-downforce and low-drag settings will allow drivers to adapt the car to track conditions.

Turns out the future does have flying cars https://t.co/6fexPp6SXI

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 16, 2026

Thrust Variant Claims Sub-One-Second Acceleration

The Thrust model is described as a race-ready, limited-release version of the Roadster. Like the Performance variant, it will have seating for two, but it adds cold-gas thrusters at the rear alongside the suction system.

Tesla claims these thrusters will provide additional thrust and help propel the vehicle from 0 to 100 in under one second.

The Rocket variant is the most extreme of the three. It will have seating for one, be designed for air-ready use and be available by invitation only.

Unlike the other models, the Rocket will have cold-gas thrusters positioned around the vehicle’s perimeter. Tesla says these will support forward and upward acceleration, along with lateral rotational movement.

“So yes, it can fly,” the company said in its description of the Rocket version.

Tesla Says SpaceX Components Will Enhance Performance

Tesla said additional SpaceX components could take the Roadster’s performance beyond conventional road-car capabilities.

“We already put Roadster in a rocket. Now we put a rocket in Roadster. We created a vehicle capable of next-level performance. Additional SpaceX components can transform that road performance into a truly revolutionary experience,” the company said.

Videos shown during the unveiling featured a white two-seater vehicle driving upside down on a ramp using the suction system, turning in the air and landing with the help of built-in thrusters. During the event, it also used the thrusters to jump over a truck and other vehicles, twisting in the air.

Roadster Reservations Open In India And US

Tesla has opened reservations for the three variants, with the Rocket listed as “invite only” on its website.

In the US, buyers must pay $5,000 upfront, which is fully refundable, followed by another $4,500 within 10 days.

“Reservations are not final until payment is received. Reservation subject to cancellation if payment is not completed within 10 days. Refunds for modifications will not be issued,” Tesla said.

In India, the reservation payment is Rs 5,01,000, with another Rs 45,05,000 due within 10 days.

Despite reservations being open, production is not scheduled to begin until 2028. Tesla has yet to reach the production stage for the vehicle, leaving buyers waiting for the next step in the Roadster’s development.