Tesla Reveals Flying Roadster Prototype, Aims for 2028 Production

Tesla has introduced a prototype of its new Roadster sports car capable of brief airborne movement using rocket technology, with production scheduled for 2028. The demonstration occurred at a SpaceX testing facility in Texas, where the two-seater vehicle executed various maneuvers, including driving upside down and making short airborne movements.

The prototype was operated without a driver to ensure safety, as stated by Elon Musk, who emphasized the uncertainty of success. The vehicle employs 10 nozzles and high-pressure air tanks for thrust and can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in under a second.

Musk noted the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX as pivotal to the project. Despite the demonstration, experts like Roger Conner raised concerns about the engineering challenges of combining road vehicle and aircraft requirements, suggesting that such hybrids may underperform in both categories.

Jim Dukhovny from Alef affirmed the feasibility of the technology but highlighted the complexities of transitioning from vertical take-off to forward flight.