Elon Musk has unveiled a new version of Tesla’s long-awaited Roadster, an electric sports car designed to perform extraordinary manoeuvres, including brief flights, mid-air flips and rapid acceleration.
The vehicle was presented on Thursday, 15 October, at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas, after years of delays. Tesla is now targeting 2028 for production, although several details about the final model remain uncertain.
During the demonstration, the Roadster drove up a steep ramp, turned upside down using a specialised suction system and launched into the air before performing a flip. The technology combines Tesla’s automotive engineering with systems developed in collaboration with SpaceX.
Musk claimed the vehicle could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 0.81 seconds, a remarkable performance figure that has attracted considerable attention from technology enthusiasts and the motoring industry.
QUESTIONS OVER PUBLIC ROAD USE
Despite the impressive display, the biggest question is whether the Roadster will be legally permitted on ordinary roads. Musk acknowledged that its legality could vary between jurisdictions, leaving uncertainty over how its unusual propulsion systems and flight capabilities will meet road safety regulations.
The vehicle’s ability to leave the ground also raises questions about aviation rules, which could impose additional requirements beyond those governing conventional electric cars.
Tesla has not confirmed the final price of the production model or provided complete details about its battery capacity and other specifications. Although reservation options have appeared, the company’s planned 2028 production date means prospective buyers may still have to wait before discovering how closely the finished vehicle matches the demonstration.
The Roadster’s unveiling marks a significant moment for Tesla and its collaboration with SpaceX. However, whether its flying capabilities will become a practical feature for customers or remain an extraordinary engineering spectacle is still uncertain.
