Tesla unveiled its long-awaited next-generation Roadster on Thursday, showcasing a high-performance electric sports car capable of brief flight using compressed-air thrusters. CEO Elon Musk confirmed that production is expected to begin in 2028, marking another milestone for the repeatedly delayed vehicle.
The Tesla Roadster reveal took place at SpaceX’s testing facility in McGregor, Texas, where the automaker demonstrated several advanced capabilities. Tesla shares surged more than 3% in after-hours trading following the presentation, recovering from a decline of over 1% during the regular session.
During the demonstration, the Roadster climbed a curved ramp before performing an inverted jump. Its air-powered thrusters adjusted the vehicle’s position, allowing it to land safely on all four wheels. Another demonstration showed the electric supercar briefly hovering above parked vehicles and a semitruck, highlighting Tesla’s new short-burst flight technology.
The Roadster incorporates cold-gas rocket boosters developed through Tesla’s collaboration with SpaceX. Unlike traditional combustion engines, the system generates thrust using highly compressed air, enabling enhanced acceleration, improved handling, and unconventional driving maneuvers.
Tesla demonstrated the Roadster accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 0.81 seconds, combining electric propulsion with compressed-air assistance. Musk suggested the company could improve that performance further and claimed the vehicle could eventually reach Mach 0.5, equivalent to half the speed of sound.
The electric sports car carries approximately 260 kilograms of compressed air and features an onboard compressor that automatically replenishes its supply. Tesla also demonstrated its ability to generate suction for improved traction and operate on vertical surfaces.
However, Musk acknowledged that the Roadster was not primarily designed around safety optimization, emphasizing its extraordinary performance capabilities. The demonstration vehicle was remotely operated.
Originally introduced in November 2017, the second-generation Tesla Roadster was initially advertised with a 1.9-second acceleration time and a starting price of $200,000. Its launch has since faced multiple delays.
The upcoming Roadster could compete with premium electric vehicles from Ferrari, Jaguar, and Rolls-Royce.
The unveiling comes as Tesla faces declining automotive sales, increasing competition in China, and controversy surrounding Musk’s political activities. Meanwhile, the company continues shifting its long-term growth strategy toward artificial intelligence, robotics, and its Optimus humanoid robot program.
