Elon Musk unveiled the latest iteration of Tesla’s Roadster, presenting what he described as a flying car capable of vertical takeoff, hovering, and even inverted flight. The electric sports vehicle, which has been in development for about a decade, is slated for production in 2028. According to Musk, the Roadster can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in under a second with the assistance of rocket thrusters developed by Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, and it has a projected top speed of 230 miles per hour.
At a demonstration held at SpaceX’s testing facility in Texas, the Roadster performed aerial maneuvers including flips and a leap over a line of stationary Tesla vehicles before safely returning to the ground. Musk acknowledged that the Roadster might not be legal for use in all jurisdictions, but emphasized that it would nonetheless be “an actual car that’s on the roads.”
The concept of a flying car has long been a staple of science fiction, with early predictions dating back to automotive pioneer Henry Ford. Ford forecast in 1940 that a combination airplane and motor car would eventually become a reality, though such vehicles have faced significant technical and regulatory challenges over the decades. For instance, the 1949 Aerocar, an early flying car prototype, was certified for aviation use in 1956 but saw limited production due to high costs and safety concerns.
More recently, companies such as Alef Aeronautics have sought and received limited approval to test flying cars capable of vertical takeoff and landing, highlighting ongoing industry interest in the technology.
Musk’s stance on flying cars has evolved over time. In 2017, he expressed reservations about the noise, safety risks, and maintenance issues they might pose to people on the ground. He cautioned about the potential hazards of falling debris from flying vehicles, humorously citing the danger posed by loose hubcaps. His latest demonstration signals a significant shift toward embracing the flying car concept, combining Tesla’s electric vehicle technology with SpaceX’s rocket propulsion.
While the Tesla Roadster’s full capabilities and legal status remain to be tested as it approaches production, the unveiling marks a notable milestone in efforts to integrate automotive and aerospace technologies into a single vehicle.