Elon Musk’s latest demonstration shows a redesigned electric sports car driving upside down and briefly going airborne at a SpaceX facility in Texas.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has renewed interest in his flying car vision after a dramatic Roadster demonstration in Texas. The event took place on October 15 at a SpaceX facility in McGregor. The redesigned electric sports car drove along a steep, curved ramp, travelled upside down and briefly went airborne before landing on its wheels.
Musk shared a video of the demonstration on X with the caption, “Turns out the future does have flying cars.” The stunt has brought fresh attention to his 2018 proposal to equip the next-generation Tesla Roadster with rocket thrusters.
Elon Musk’s Flying Car Idea Dates Back to 2018
Musk first discussed the unusual idea during his 2018 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. He suggested that the next-generation Roadster could use rocket or cold-gas thrusters developed with SpaceX technology.
During the conversation, Musk said he wanted to put rocket thrusters on a Tesla. The proposal attracted attention, while podcast host Joe Rogan appeared doubtful about the idea.
Musk suggested that the technology could help the electric sports car hover or fly. However, the concept went beyond the usual focus on speed and acceleration in high-performance cars.
Musk Explained the Thruster Concept to Jay Leno
In 2020, Musk discussed the Roadster concept with car enthusiast Jay Leno. He explained how a cold-gas thruster system could be hidden behind the car’s licence plate.
Unlike a conventional rocket engine, a cold-gas thruster produces thrust by releasing compressed gas. The system would use highly compressed air rather than burning rocket fuel.
Also Read: Tesla Roadster India Launch Timeline Remains Unconfirmed
Leno said he often found it difficult to tell when Musk was joking. Musk, however, indicated that he was serious about the idea.
Does the Latest Tesla Roadster Stunt Prove It Can Fly?
The latest demonstration shows the vehicle performing unusual manoeuvres in a controlled setting. However, it does not establish that the Roadster can fly or hover under normal driving conditions.
The stunt also does not confirm whether the proposed thruster technology will feature in the final production model. More information is needed to determine how the system would work in a consumer vehicle.
For Indian car enthusiasts, the demonstration offers a glimpse of Tesla’s unconventional approach to electric sports car design. However, the stunt alone does not confirm that a practical flying car will become available to buyers.
Tesla Roadster Production Target Remains 2028
Musk has said the redesigned Tesla Roadster is expected to enter production in 2028. However, the availability of rocket thrusters in the production model remains uncertain.
The latest demonstration has renewed interest in an idea that once drew scepticism during a podcast conversation. The next key question is whether Tesla can turn the concept into a production-ready feature for ordinary buyers.
