Elon Musk unveiled a prototype Tesla Roadster in Texas on October 16, 2026, featuring SpaceX thrusters that lifted the electric sports car off the ramp during a remote-controlled demonstration. Regulators and aviation agencies face unresolved questions over whether such a vehicle could ever legally use public roads or airspace, even as Tesla claims production will start in 2028.
The electric sports car manufacturer staged a dramatic demonstration at the SpaceX rocket development and testing facility in Texas. The event showcased a two-seat prototype designed to blur the line between automotive engineering and aerospace technology. During the event, the remote-controlled vehicle drove up an inverted ramp, gripped upside down using an underbody suction system, and then deployed its thrusters to flip and land back on its wheels.
SpaceX Thrusters Power Electric Roadster
Developed in partnership with SpaceX, the Roadster utilizes an array of 10 thrusters fed by 600 litres of compressed air. Musk announced the vehicle on his social media platform X, declaring that Turns out the future does have flying cars
.
Flying cars are real. It’s got altitude controls, thrusters and main thrusters in the rear. So it can basically fly like a rocket, it can do rolls, crazy gymnastics.
Elon Musk
Tesla is claiming a 0-60mph acceleration time of just 0.81 seconds alongside a top speed exceeding 230mph. The vehicle features a wider stance, a fully retractable rear wing, and a jet-style cockpit equipped with a steering yoke and steer-by-wire controls.
Musk noted that the prototype was controlled remotely during the stunt to make sure we don’t kill anyone
. He admitted it was not necessarily a safety optimised car but it takes the fun meter to 11
.
Regulators Question Legal Status of Flying Cars
Questions regarding the legality of a flying sports car remain largely unanswered by transport authorities. Irish regulators, insurers, and drivers must determine who would have the authority to permit such a vehicle on local roads. In Ireland, ordinary vehicle registrations require a certificate of conformity through the National Standards Authority of Ireland and the Road Safety Authority, a framework built entirely for vehicles that remain on the ground. Aircraft certification falls under separate jurisdictions, such as the EU Aviation Safety Agency, which has established specific vertical take-off and landing rules since 2019.
Tesla’s own reservation platform specifies that flying the vehicle is not permitted on public roads. This creates a regulatory gap where a machine attempting to function as both a car and an aircraft falls between separate transportation rulebooks. Musk himself acknowledged during the presentation that he is uncertain whether the prototype meets legal requirements across every jurisdiction.
Tesla Sets Production for 2028
The second-generation Roadster was first teased in 2017 with an initial 2020 production target, though that schedule slipped repeatedly over the following years. Tesla now slates production to begin in 2028, aiming to challenge gasoline sports cars with an electric vehicle priced in excess of $200,000 (£150,000).
| Roadster Variant | Deposit Requirement |
|---|---|
| Performance Version | £50,000 deposit |
| Thrust Version | $250,000 deposit |
| Rocket Variant (One-seater with full flight system) | Available by invitation only |
The Rocket Variant remains the most exclusive offering, as it is currently available to prospective buyers by invitation only.