Elon Musk unveils Tesla Roadster 2, claiming it can fly like a rocket

Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla Roadster 2 at SpaceX’s rocket development and testing facility in Texas. He said the two-seat electric sports car can fly using technology from Tesla’s aerospace affiliate.

The car was remotely controlled during the demonstration, Musk said, “to make sure we don’t kill anyone”. Video showed the Roadster driving up a curved ramp, gripping an upside-down surface with suction, then using thrusters to flip, fly and land.

Musk also said the vehicle can reach 60mph in less than a second and uses thrusters for altitude control, flight and manoeuvres.

Flight and jump demonstration

Later, the prototype used jets to leap over a row of existing Tesla models before accelerating to 60mph. Musk said it could “basically fly like a rocket” and perform rolls and other complex manoeuvres.

He acknowledged that the vehicle might not be legal in every jurisdiction and described the prototype as not necessarily safety-optimised.

Deposits and flight restrictions

Musk announced in 2017 that the Roadster 2 would enter production in 2028, with a price above $200,000. After the demonstration, the reservation site listed a £50,000 deposit for the Performance version and a $250,000 deposit for the Thrust version.

The Rocket variant with a full flight system was listed as invitation-only. Tesla also said flying it was not permitted on public roads.

Musk had expressed scepticism about flying vehicles in 2014. After the latest demonstration, he wrote on X that the future does have flying cars.