- Elon Musk showed a Tesla Roadster performing an airborne maneuver during a Texas demonstration.
- Roadster production is targeted for 2028, extending the wait since its 2017 unveiling.
- Musk said air-powered thrusters could enable hovering, short jumps and aerial rolls.
Elon Musk showcased a Tesla Roadster prototype performing a brief airborne maneuver during a Texas demonstration Thursday, drawing attention to a vehicle first revealed in 2017.
Musk now targets production in 2028, while acknowledging uncertainty over whether its airborne maneuvers would be legal in every jurisdiction.
Tesla Roadster Production Target Extends the Wait
Tesla began accepting reservations when it introduced the redesigned sports car nearly nine years ago. The latest production target extends that wait, even as Thursday’s presentation showed features Musk has discussed for years.
The livestream took place at SpaceX’s test facility in McGregor. Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen and vehicle engineering Vice President Lars Moravy joined Musk for the unveiling. Tesla also says the Roadster could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than a second.
During the presentation, Musk compared the Roadster with James Bond’s gadget-equipped car.
Musk Describes Thrusters and Air-Powered Maneuvers
Musk has discussed equipping the Roadster with SpaceX-inspired cold-gas thrusters since the redesigned model’s original unveiling. He has said the system could support hovering and short jumps.
In comments shared by the X account DogeDesigner, Musk described attitude-control thrusters and main thrusters at the rear. He said the arrangement could allow the car to rise, roll, and perform other aerial maneuvers.
He said the vehicle could recharge its air tank without needing special propellant. Musk also said the car was not necessarily optimized for safety, while stating that it would become a vehicle people could use on public roads.
DeSantis Responds to Road Legality Question
The footage attracted 1.7 million views on X and responses from public figures, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Rep. Elise Stefanik. After a user asked whether the vehicle would be street legal in Florida, DeSantis said he would ensure it is permitted. He joked that it could be used to leap over golf carts in the Villages.
The demonstration did not establish how airborne features would be approved for vehicle owners.
Other responses focused on childhood memories. X user MAZE compared the demonstration to Turbo Boost, prompting Musk to describe the referenced program as one of his favorite childhood shows.
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