Hidden aerodynamics
Minimalist yet highly technical: hidden headlights, a full-width tail light and recessed aero elements. Ultra-light wheels with thin spokes.
Event — 15 October 2026Tesla Roadster: the SpaceX-powered flying car
After almost a decade of waiting, Tesla unveiled the new Roadster from SpaceX's McGregor (Texas) test site, with an unprecedented demo using cold-gas thrusters.
Official Tesla Roadster event livestream
Open the live on X →A giant Hot Wheels-style ramp for the flying car
For the demo, Tesla built a huge curved track lined with red neon on a steel truss: a quarter loop that instantly recalls childhood Hot Wheels tracks, but life-size.
Thanks to its fan suction and SpaceX thrusters, the Roadster climbs vertically then stays stuck upside down under the ramp — a spectacular proof of the tech meant to let the Rocket version fly.
Flying Roadster demo: vertical, upside down and thrusters
1. Vertical on the ramp
First demo: the Roadster drives onto the curved ramp and holds perfectly vertical, nose to the sky, as if glued to the wall.
2. Upside down
The car keeps climbing to the top of the loop and stays there upside down, wheels to the sky, defying gravity.
3. Back down and a full flip
It comes back down, takes the ramp again with momentum and this time performs a complete flip.
4. Thruster jets fire
During the manoeuvre, gas jets fire to orient and stabilise the car, just like the attitude thrusters that steer a SpaceX rocket.
Official Tesla Roadster presentation video
The flying car in action on the Hot Wheels ramp
A nod to KITT from Knight Rider and its Turbo Boost
Impossible not to think of KITT, the iconic car from Knight Rider: when Michael Knight activated Turbo Boost, the Trans Am literally flew over obstacles. The Roadster with its SpaceX cold-gas thrusters is the 2026 version of that dream — except this time, it isn't fiction.
Watch the Short on YouTube →Elon Musk's reaction on X
3 technologies that make the Roadster fly
Active aerodynamics
Cold-gas thrusters
Multimode fan system
A true driver's car
The Roadster delivers performance unmatched by any other production car. It goes beyond Plaid and pushes the limits of design, engineering and physics.
New Tesla Roadster design
Ano White paint
Inspired by aerospace coatings that protect rockets from UV, cryogenic temperatures and corrosion, with electrostatic dissipation.
Gold coating
Tinted glass mimics the copper coating that gives spacesuit visors their golden glow, highlighted with titanium accents.
"Supersonic" interior
Ultrawhite interior with grey micro-suede details. Seat perforations are inspired by speed lines and scatter toward the top of the backrest.
Mass control
Manual controls, a fixed seat and light, ultra-strong materials (magnesium, titanium, carbon fibre) for near-instant response.
Official photos © Tesla
"We already put a Roadster in a rocket. Now we're putting a rocket in the Roadster."
Flying car: beyond the limits of physics
The multimode fan and ground-seal system sucks air from under the car. The suction is strong enough to hold it upside down, even at a standstill — which is how it stayed inverted during the demo (step 2).
Next-gen cold-gas thrusters, driven by fully electric actuators, make micro-adjustments in a fraction of a second to stabilise the car in flight — the jets seen in step 4.
Roadster Performance, Thrust & Rocket configurations
Range
> 300 mi
> 480 km
Top speed
> 230 mph
> 370 km/h (Rocket)
Road ready
Performance
Seats 2
< 1.6 s0–60 mph
Active aerodynamics & multi-mode suction system for next-level performance on & off the track.
Race ready
Thrust
Seats 2
< 0.9 s0–60 mph
Multi-mode suction system paired with rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters that enable 0–60 in under 1 second.
Air ready
Rocket
Seats 1
< 0.59 s0–60 mph
Multi-mode suction system plus perimeter-mounted cold-gas thrusters supporting forward & upward acceleration plus lateral rotational movement. "So... yes, it can fly."
Not approved for public roads (Thrust/Rocket). Rocket may not be available in all regions. Availability subject to local laws.
Reserve on tesla.comSource : tesla.com/roadster
Key facts: Roadster date, location and price
Location
McGregor, Texas (SpaceX)
Date
15 Oct 2026, 8:55 pm ET
Reservation
$50,000 deposit
- Concept shown in 2017: 0-60 mph in 1.9 s and 620-mile range promised, deliveries planned for 2020 then repeatedly delayed.
- Event originally set for 1 October, moved to the 15th due to weather (outdoor-only show).
- Cold-gas thruster package developed with SpaceX; demo car remotely operated.
Sources : CNBC, Electrek, TechCrunch.