Elon Musk unveiled a rocket-powered Tesla Roadster that can hover, flip through the air, and perform aerial maneuvers using thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX. Demonstrations showed the vehicle driving upside down, leaping over parked cars, hovering, and landing safely. Musk claims the Roadster can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 0.81 seconds, reach 230 mph, and use a powerful suction system to generate enough downforce to drive upside down. He is targeting production in 2028, although he acknowledged the vehicle prioritizes excitement over safety.
Tesla is accepting refundable $50,000 deposits for the Roadster, with a $250,000 thruster-equipped option and an invitation-only version with full-flight capabilities. Final pricing and the legality of its flying features remain uncertain. Meanwhile, Toyota is advancing its own flying-vehicle ambitions through a manufacturing partnership with Joby Aviation to mass-produce electric air taxis capable of carrying five people at nearly 200 mph.