Tesla unveils Roadster that lifts off the ground in a demo, production planned for 2028

The demonstration

Tesla presented the Roadster on Thursday, 15 October, at SpaceX's rocket test site in McGregor, Texas, according to Europa Press and ANSA, although Adnkronos gave Waco as the venue. In the demonstration the car climbed a curved ramp until it sat upside down, was launched into the air, flipped over and landed under control. Fans under the body press the car down for grip, while cold-gas thrusters developed with SpaceX use high-pressure compressed air rather than rocket fuel to push and steer it. N-tv reported that the car jumped over five other Tesla vehicles while turning in the air. Stern counted ten cold-gas thrusters on the Rocket version and stressed that the car would not become a flying taxi.

Three versions and reservations

Tesla named three configurations. The two-seat Performance is promised to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in under 1.6 seconds, and the Thrust adds extra rear thrusters to bring that figure below 0.9 seconds. The single-seat Rocket, the airborne version, is offered only by invitation and is not approved for public roads. Europa Press lists reservation fees of $50,000 for Performance and $250,000 for Thrust, while N-tv gives 50,000 euros for Performance and 250,000 euros for the Rocket, so the outlets differ on both currency and version. In the demonstration, N-tv measured a standstill to 60 mph (about 96.6 km/h) in 0.81 seconds, and ANSA reported that the Rocket needs less than 0.59 seconds to reach almost 100 km/h. Tesla also claims a top speed above 370 km/h and a range above 480 km, and no final sale price has been announced.

Performance, under1.6

Thrust, under0.9

Performance, under

1.6 seconds

Thrust, under

0.9 seconds

Data from the article text

Production timing and skepticism

Tesla's forecast puts production in 2028, according to ANSA, and N-tv and Stern both report Musk naming 2028 as the start of series production. Stern noted that Tesla first showed a second-generation Roadster almost nine years ago, took reservations and deposits, and never delivered the car. N-tv recalled that Tesla showed a prototype in 2017 and promised production for 2020. Stern argued that a spectacular demonstration is not the same as a car customers can buy, and said it remains open when customers would receive theirs and where each version could be used.

Market reaction and analyst view

BBC reported that Tesla shares climbed after the launch, although the broadcast gave no figure. Andrew Rocco, an equity strategist, told Bloomberg that the high price and small potential market make it unlikely the Roadster will materially affect Tesla's revenue or profit outlook. He expected the car to generate plenty of hype without moving the numbers much. N-tv linked the stunt to rumours of a merger between Tesla and SpaceX, without reporting any confirmation of such plans.

Musk's role and open questions

Musk shared the flight video on X, according to a BBC report, and Tesla's X account posted images of the prototype in flight, per Adnkronos. Adnkronos also reported that Musk confirmed the car will go on sale. Another BBC report said it is unclear whether these flying-capable vehicles are ready for use, and the articles offer no delivery schedule beyond the 2028 forecast.