"Better than a James Bond car": Elon Musk unveils his Tesla Roadster that can "fly" thanks to SpaceX rockets

Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla Roadster, a high-performance electric sports car equipped with propulsion systems inspired by SpaceX rocket technology, during a live-streamed event held near Waco, Texas, on October 16, 2026. The demonstration showcased the vehicle’s ability to lift off the ground, flip in mid-air, and land smoothly on its four wheels. The event took place at a SpaceX facility typically used for testing rocket engines. During the presentation, the Roadster climbed a steep curved ramp using a suction system on its underside, went upside down, and launched into the air. It performed a controlled roll while airborne before descending safely. Musk described the demonstration as "the best product demo of all time" and emphasized the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX to create a vehicle that surpasses anything seen in films. He noted that the Roadster could perform acrobatic maneuvers such as kickflips over other Tesla models. According to Tesla’s vice president of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, the Roadster features a "fan suction system" capable of generating up to 2 Gs of force to enable the car to go upside down. The vehicle also incorporates altitude control thrusters and main thrusters in the rear, allowing it to maneuver like a rocket. Musk joked that the Roadster was "not necessarily a safety optimized car" due to its extreme capabilities. The Roadster demonstrated additional feats, including accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under one second. Tesla’s website now accepts reservations for the Roadster, offering three variants: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. The Rocket variant is limited to invited customers and includes a full flight system, allowing it to take off and maneuver in the air. The Rocket version is said to have a top speed exceeding 230 mph and a range of over 300 miles. The Roadster’s development has been delayed for nearly a decade since its initial announcement. Tesla previously sold the model between 2008 and 2012 before discontinuing production. Its return was announced in 2017 but had not yet materialized until this recent unveiling. The vehicle features two seats and a cable steering system. In promotional footage, Tesla showed the Roadster reaching speeds of nearly 100 km/h (60 mph) from a standstill in less than a second. The maximum speed is stated as 370 km/h, with a range of 480 kilometers. The event drew attention from media outlets worldwide, highlighting the innovative fusion of automotive and aerospace technologies. The Roadster’s unique capabilities mark a significant advancement in electric vehicle design and performance.