The new Tesla Roadster is equipped with cold-gas thrusters developed by SpaceX, which propel the vehicle and enable it to lift off the ground by releasing pressurized gas.
When will this car appear on the roads? Tesla first announced the launch of the next-generation Roadster in 2017; however, its development faced multiple delays.
The company has now indicated plans to begin production of the car for the general public by 2028, though details regarding its price and other sales-related information have not yet been disclosed.
SpaceX Thrusters Enable Lift-Off
The new electric sports car, the “Roadster,” was developed through a collaboration between engineers from Tesla and SpaceX.
In videos shared on social media by Elon Musk and Tesla, the car is shown not only driving in reverse up a special ramp but also lifting into the air, performing a mid-air flip, and landing safely back on the ground.
The company conducted this test on October 15 at a SpaceX rocket-testing facility in McGregor, Texas, USA.
Production Timeline and Delays
Tesla first announced the launch of the next-generation Roadster in 2017. Development, however, faced multiple delays over the following years.
The company has now indicated plans to begin production of the car for the general public by 2028. Details regarding its price and other sales-related information have not yet been disclosed.
Mid-Air Flip Demonstrated
Videos shared by Elon Musk and Tesla show the Roadster driving in reverse up a special ramp before lifting into the air, performing a mid-air flip, and landing safely back on the ground.
The demonstration was conducted on October 15 at a SpaceX rocket-testing facility in McGregor, Texas, USA—highlighting the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers.
What We Know
“The car is shown not only driving in reverse up a special ramp but also lifting into the air, performing a mid-air flip, and landing safely back on the ground.”
— Description of the demonstration videoCollaboration Between Tesla and SpaceX
The Roadster was developed through a collaboration between engineers from Tesla and SpaceX. Its cold-gas thrusters, developed by SpaceX, release pressurized gas to propel the vehicle and enable it to lift off the ground.
The ability to lift off the ground using rocket technology marks a significant departure from conventional electric vehicles, though Tesla has not yet disclosed final specifications or pricing.
Why it matters: The Roadster demonstration shows how rocket technology from SpaceX is being adapted for a production electric vehicle—an unusual engineering crossover that could redefine performance expectations for road cars.
Note: This article is based on videos shared by Elon Musk and Tesla, and on company statements about production plans. Final specifications, pricing, and availability have not yet been confirmed by Tesla. Please refer to official Tesla announcements for the latest information.
