Tesla demonstrates airborne Roadster, targets production in 2028

Tesla presented a redesigned Roadster in McGregor, Texas, on October 15 local time, with demonstrations that included inverted driving, brief airborne manoeuvres and thruster-assisted landings, Chinese outlets reported. Reports published on October 16 Beijing time described a white car climbing a curved ramp, hanging upside down and then leaving the surface before rotating and landing. Another demonstration sent the car over a row of Tesla vehicles. Huxiu reported that the demonstration car was remotely controlled; Jiemian said the most closely watched special manoeuvres were performed without an occupant. [ 5 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 15 ]

The system combines a fan beneath the car with cold-gas thrusters linked to SpaceX technology, according to the reports. Jiemian said the fan extracts air to generate downforce even when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, while the thrusters provide additional force and control its attitude. It attributed to Musk a system using two high-pressure tanks with a combined capacity of 600 litres and ten nozzles. Tesla announced a demonstrated zero-to-60-mph acceleration time of 0.81 seconds, Jiemian reported. That figure was presented by the company rather than as an independent road test. [ 7 , 8 , 10 ]

Musk said production was expected to begin in 2028. The second-generation Roadster was first shown in 2017, with deliveries originally targeted for 2020, before repeated postponements. The planned range comprises Performance, Thrust and Rocket versions. Jiemian reported that the single-seat Rocket version would be offered only to invited customers and would not be legal for public-road use. It said final prices had not been announced. Huxiu and TMTPost framed the project as a showcase for Tesla's technology and brand, while stressing that earlier reservation holders were still waiting for deliveries. [ 8 , 10 , 12 , 14 , 15 ]