The Tesla Roadster flew over the Semi and did a loop. The Rocket version is only available by invitation.
Tesla revealed the Roadster again on October 15, 2026, a model whose first version it had announced back in 2017. The prototype drove on its wheels backward, performed a mid-air spin, and, according to the manufacturer, accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 0.81 seconds. Production is set to begin in 2028, but prices, certification, and final specifications remain unknown.
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The demonstration took place at SpaceX’s facility in McGregor, Texas, near Waco. The chosen location was not random. The new Roadster uses fans to pull the car back down to the surface as well as high-pressure gas nozzles. Thus, Tesla and SpaceX have created something that is between an electric supercar, a technology demonstrator, and a very expensive track toy.
The Roadster drove on its wheels backward and then actually lifted off the ground
During the first demonstration, the car drove onto a curved ramp, ended up upside down, and then descended from the structure. Nozzles spun it in midair and allowed it to land on its wheels. On the second run, the Roadster jumped over several Tesla vehicles parked side by side, including the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, Cybercab, and Semi tractor.
However, this was not a flight in the sense associated with airplanes or eVTOL aircraft. The Roadster has no wings and is not designed to travel for dozens of kilometers in the air. The nozzles enable it to make a short jump, rotate, and land under control.
The mechanism that allows the car to flip upside down relies on a system of fans and chassis seals. The fans remove air from beneath the car, creating a low-pressure area. According to Tesla, this system can generate a downward force equivalent to 2g, even when the car is stationary.
This is the key advantage over traditional spoilers and diffusers. Conventional aerodynamics only become effective as speed increases, whereas active underpressure can enhance traction even in slow turns and during braking. A similar solution was previously used by the track-focused McMurtry Spéirling, which could also remain upright on its wheels. Tesla isn’t therefore the first to try this approach, but it combined it with nozzles that enable aerial maneuvers.
Three versions, but only one will fly
Tesla has announced three variants of the Roadster. The base Performance model will not come equipped with nozzles. The Thrust version will use rear-facing nozzles that assist during acceleration, while the Rocket model will feature a set of nozzles arranged around the car. This last version allows for generating vertical force and controlling rotation in midair.
Version
Seating capacity
Claimed 0-60 mph
Nozzles
Performance
2
under 1.6 s
none
Thrust
2
under 0.9 s
rear
Rocket
1
under 0.59 s
distributed around the car
During the presentation, Tesla reported a time of 0.81 seconds, with Elon Musk stating that the production car could be even faster. However, no independent measurement or detailed test conditions were provided. The goal of under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket variant remains a manufacturer’s claim for now.
The nozzles are intended to use ordinary air compressed by on-board compressors. Tesla mentions ten nozzles and the ability to refill the system while driving. However, various details regarding tanks and gas volume appear in the materials, making it difficult to determine today how many jumps can be made without waiting for pressure to rebuild.
The Roadster is also expected to feature an active wing, a track mode that lowers the suspension, steer-by-wire—meaning steering without a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheels—as well as electronically controlled brakes and an accelerator pedal. The manufacturer claims a top speed exceeding 230 mph, around 370 km/h, and a range of over 300 miles, approximately 483 km. No measurement procedure for range or battery capacity was provided.
The biggest issue isn’t technology but homologation
During the launch, Elon Musk said the Roadster would be a car that people could own and see on roads. He later admitted, however, that he wasn’t sure if it would be legal in all jurisdictions. When directly asked about road legality, he replied that it depended on the road.
Here’s where things get complicated. The nozzles that eject gas at supersonic speeds are extremely loud, and the possibility of the car suddenly lifting off the road makes it difficult to reconcile with regulations aimed at protecting pedestrians and other drivers. Therefore, the Performance version without nozzles seems the most likely road-legal option, but Tesla has not yet confirmed which features can be legally activated outside a controlled facility.
Rocket is said to be available only by invitation, while Thrust’s availability is described as limited. All three versions can be reserved by paying $5,000 at the time of ordering. After that, depending on the version, an additional $45,000 or $245,000 must be paid within ten days. The manufacturer has not disclosed the final prices of the cars. In Poland, the Performance version costs 210,000 zł (initially 22,000 zł, then 190,000 zł), and the Thrust version costs 1,022,000 zł (initially 22,000 zł, then 1,000,000 zł).
The production start date is set for 2028. However, it should be noted that the Roadster shown in 2017 was supposed to hit the market in 2020. The current car remains a prototype as well, not a production model with completed homologation processes.
Tesla delivered one of the most spectacular car reveals in recent years. However, it has yet to prove that the Roadster will break track records, be legal on roads, and actually reach customers by 2028. After nine years of waiting, the production date itself is an even more ambitious promise than performing a stunt over a truck.
Interestingly, it can also be reserved in Poland. It’s worth wondering how they plan to handle the homologation for this car in Europe, since it didn’t work “officially” with the Cybertruck. Overall, it can be summarized with Shrek’s Donkey saying, “I talk, I fly, full service,” except this car lacks beauty and practicality...
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