Tesla has unveiled a redesigned version of its Roadster sports car featuring rocket-style thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX, marking a new stage in the partnership between the two companies led by Elon Musk.
The vehicle was demonstrated on Thursday at a SpaceX facility in Texas, where it performed aerial manoeuvres using built-in thrusters. The demonstration included the car lifting into the air and landing on its wheels.
Musk described the development as an example of what collaboration between an electric vehicle manufacturer and an aerospace company could achieve. The vehicle combines Tesla’s automotive technology with propulsion systems associated with SpaceX.
The Roadster was first announced in 2017, but its launch has faced repeated delays. Tesla now expects production to begin in 2028.
Despite the flying demonstration, the vehicle is not yet an established road-and-air transport system capable of routinely switching between highway driving and flight. Questions also remain about the safety, practical use and regulatory approval of its airborne capabilities.
Any vehicle operating in the air would face aviation certification requirements, while its use on public roads would have to comply with applicable transport and safety regulations.
The unveiling comes as Tesla expands its focus on autonomous driving and robotics, while SpaceX continues developing rocket and satellite technologies. The collaboration has also fuelled speculation about closer ties between the two companies.
For now, the Roadster remains a high-performance electric sports car with experimental flight-related technology rather than a commercially available flying car. Its production schedule and the practical application of its thruster system remain key issues to watch.
