Currently: Tesla shows video from Roadster event featuring tests including a crash and explosion
Image: Tesla / @cstanley
The engineers at Tesla and SpaceX must have calculated very precisely, as what their CEO Elon Musk demonstrated in Texas on Thursday likely pushed the boundaries of physics: A new version of the electric car Roadster drove up a curved ramp until it stood on its head, then took off again and raced forward. After leaving the ramp, it used cold gas engines installed all around to spin in midair and land safely. It could have gone wrong, Musk said shortly before—and Tesla showed this to the guests on site as well.
Tesla Roadster Crashed During Flight Test
Initially, the only way for the whole world to watch was through the carefully staged live stream that Tesla broadcasted via X and YouTube. The presence of an audience is not only common for such events but was also necessary, according to Musk, so that they could verify the Roadster showcase wasn’t just AI-generated. In this case, it seems early buyers of the version unveiled in 2017 and selected influencers were mainly invited. They received additional video and technical perks on site.
Insane to see in person! pic.twitter.com/m9vlSHwAqT
— Christopher Stanley (@cstanley) October 16, 2026
One of them was filmed and shared on X shortly after — showing, among other things, what could have happened according to CEO Musk’s repeated concerns beforehand, namely a crash of the rocket-powered roadster. Accompanied by classical music, it initially depicts work on the vehicle and tests with a largely bare chassis. Several times it lifts off quickly, just as it did during the public demonstration later on. And once, an object that looks like a car crashes to the ground, resulting in an explosion (see photo above).
Musk warned about a possible failure
This is likely what Musk meant when he said excitement at the Roadster event was guaranteed, but a successful outcome was not. The vertical takeoff followed by rotation that Tesla then demonstrated was probably unexpected by everyone. Musk, on the other hand, had often hinted that the Roadster could float with SpaceX’s help. The rotation in midair shown three times now (once from a stationary position, lifting off and flying over the rest of Tesla’s lineup) should work because two of the engines are mounted on the sides.
It is therefore possible to have an electric car perform the described stunts in a skateboard-like manner using specialized technology. However, Tesla left many questions unanswered at the event, including what the two rocket options for the Roadster will cost. A down payment of $250,000 is required just for the smaller version with thrusters only at the rear that cannot lift off from the ground. The full version with ten SpaceX engines all around is available only by special invitation from Tesla.