[Video] Musk Unveils Tesla Flying Car, Targets 2028 Production

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has unveiled a new version of the Tesla Roadster, claiming the sports car can fly using thruster technology developed by his aerospace company, SpaceX.

Musk made the claim during a demonstration at SpaceX’s rocket development and testing facility in Texas, where he showcased the Roadster 2 and its reported ability to perform aerial manoeuvres.

According to Musk, the vehicle features altitude controls, thrusters and rear main thrusters that allow it to perform movements beyond those of conventional 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,” Musk said at the event on Thursday.

A video of the demonstration showed the vehicle driving up a curved ramp using suction to maintain its grip while upside down before appearing to use thrusters to flip, fly and land.

The car was also shown leaping over a line of existing Tesla models and accelerating rapidly.

Musk said the demonstration vehicle was controlled remotely to prevent injuries during the tests. He also acknowledged that the vehicle might not be legal in all jurisdictions.

“I’m not sure it’s necessarily legal in all jurisdictions,” he said, describing the prototype as a vehicle that prioritised excitement rather than maximum safety optimisation.

In a post on his social media platform, X, Musk wrote: “Turns out the future does have flying cars.”

The Roadster 2 is expected to enter production in 2028, with its price reportedly exceeding $200,000. Musk previously announced the development of the vehicle in 2017, describing it as an electric sports car designed to outperform petrol-powered cars.

Following the demonstration, Tesla’s reservation website reportedly listed different versions of the vehicle, including a performance model requiring a £50,000 deposit and a thrust version requiring a $250,000 deposit.

A single-seat rocket variant featuring a full flight system was listed as available by invitation only.

However, Tesla reportedly stated that flying the vehicle would not be permitted on public roads.