Tesla stellt "fliegenden" Sportwagen mit Raketenantrieben von SpaceX vor

Elon Musk unveiled a new Tesla Roadster capable of airborne maneuvers during a demonstration at a SpaceX test site in Texas. The event took place on October 16, 2026, and included a display of the vehicle's ability to ascend a steep ramp, flip mid-air, and land safely. The demonstration did not include a driver, according to Musk, who stated this was to ensure safety. The Roadster, described as a sports car with advanced capabilities, was showcased at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas. Musk referred to the demonstration as proof that "flying cars are real." Lars Moravy, Tesla's Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, confirmed the statement, adding that the vehicle had successfully completed the aerial maneuver. During the demonstration, the Roadster traveled up a curved ramp and performed a controlled flip before landing. The vehicle also executed a jump over a row of parked Tesla cars. Musk shared a video of the event on X, accompanied by the song "In the Air Tonight," stating, "Turns out the future does have flying cars." The Roadster is equipped with cold-gas thrusters and a multi-mode suction system that allows it to achieve forward and upward acceleration as well as lateral rotational movement. These systems use compressed air stored at high pressure instead of traditional fuel-based propulsion. The flying capability is not approved for public road use and is labeled as "invite only." According to Tesla's website, the Roadster can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under a second and has a top speed of 370 kilometers per hour. The vehicle is designed to challenge the limits of automotive engineering and includes features inspired by SpaceX technology. Musk mentioned that the Roadster will enter production in 2028, nearly a decade after the initial announcement. The company has set a deposit requirement of $50,000 for the standard model and $250,000 for the version with "acceleration thrusters." A third variant with a "complete flight system" is available only by invitation and offers a single seat for airborne operations. The development of the Roadster has faced multiple delays. Originally introduced in 2008, the model was discontinued in 2012. Its revival was announced in 2017, but production has yet to commence. The current iteration aims to expand Tesla's lineup and incorporate cutting-edge aerospace technology. During the event, Musk emphasized that the Roadster is not necessarily "optimized for safety," acknowledging the risks associated with the demonstration. He stated that success is not guaranteed and that the team was prepared for potential failures. Reactions to the unveiling ranged from admiration to skepticism. Some aviation experts questioned whether the vehicle met the criteria for a true flying car, suggesting that the demonstration primarily showcased aerial jumps rather than sustained flight. Despite these doubts, Tesla remains committed to bringing the Roadster to market in 2028. The demonstration highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, with both companies working together to push the boundaries of automotive and aerospace engineering. Musk described the partnership as combining the world's best car company with the world's best rocket company. Tesla's latest innovation has sparked interest from various sectors, including politicians and celebrities, who expressed amazement at the vehicle's capabilities. The company faces the challenge of transforming this technological showcase into a commercially viable product that meets regulatory standards and consumer expectations.