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Elon Musk unveils Tesla's 'flying' car
United Kingdom💻 Technology3 hr. ago

Elon Musk unveils Tesla's 'flying' car

Elon Musk announced Tesla's 'flying' car during a livestreamed event at a SpaceX facility in Texas. The vehicle, called the Roadster, features thrusters and ultrahigh-pressure air tanks, allowing it to perform aerial maneuvers such as a mid-air barrel roll. Musk stated the car could achieve speeds of up to 230 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under one second. While the project faces technical and regulatory hurdles, Musk claimed the car would enter production in 2028, though past delays suggest this timeline might be optimistic. The vehicle is not yet optimized for safety and may not be legal in all regions, but Musk emphasized it would be a functional road car.

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.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 5 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

5 reports

Phys.org logoPhys.orgIndependentCenter3 hr. ago
Elon Musk unveils Tesla's 'flying' car

Elon Musk announced Tesla's 'flying' car during a livestreamed event at a SpaceX facility in Texas. The vehicle, called the Roadster, features thrusters and ultrahigh-pressure air tanks, allowing it to perform aerial maneuvers such as a mid-air barrel roll. Musk stated the car could achieve speeds of up to 230 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under one second. While the project faces technical and regulatory hurdles, Musk claimed the car would enter production in 2028, though past delays suggest this timeline might be optimistic. The vehicle is not yet optimized for safety and may not be legal in all regions, but Musk emphasized it would be a functional road car.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on technological innovation and does not present any politically charged information or controversy. It provides factual details about the unveiling of a futuristic vehicle without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political ideology.

Daily Mail logoDaily MailIndependentCenter11 hr. ago
Elon Musk unveils flying car: Crowd screams as new Tesla with rocket thrusters takes off and flips mid-air

Elon Musk demonstrated a new Tesla Roadster equipped with rocket thrusters, showcasing its ability to fly and perform aerial maneuvers such as flipping mid-air. The event took place at an unspecified location and was attended by a crowd that reacted with excitement. The demonstration highlighted advancements in electric vehicle technology and aerospace engineering. While the article describes the event as a 'flying car' unveiling, it does not provide further technical specifications or confirm whether this is a fully functional prototype.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on technological innovation rather than political issues. It provides a factual description of the event without evident ideological framing or bias. No political figures, policies, or contentious issues are discussed.

Daily Mirror logoDaily MirrorIndependentCenter16 hr. ago
Tesla launches 'flying' Roadster sports EV as Elon Musk hails 'the future'

Tesla has introduced a new version of its Roadster electric vehicle, which features the ability to fly and perform aerial maneuvers such as flipping mid-air. The announcement was made by Elon Musk, who described the development as evidence that 'flying cars are real.' This innovation marks a significant advancement in automotive technology, showcasing Tesla's continued push into futuristic transportation solutions.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a technological innovation by Tesla, focusing on the development of a flying car. There is no indication of political bias in the framing or content of the article. It presents the information neutrally without favoring any particular political stance or ideology.

Financial Times logoFinancial TimesIndependent🔒Center17 hr. ago
Tesla unveils ‘flying’ sports car with SpaceX rocket thrusters

Tesla has introduced a new 'flying' sports car prototype equipped with SpaceX rocket thrusters, marking a significant step in the company's efforts to reposition itself as a bold innovator. The vehicle, called Roadster, was developed over a decade and represents Tesla's attempt to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. This unveiling comes at a time when Tesla is seeking to enhance its reputation and showcase cutting-edge advancements in automotive engineering. The integration of SpaceX technology highlights potential synergies between Tesla and Elon Musk's other ventures.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses a technological innovation by Tesla and does not present any political viewpoints or controversial issues. It focuses on the technical aspects and implications of the new vehicle without leaning towards any particular political stance.

Reuters logoReutersIndependentCenteryesterday
Tesla's new Roadster turns in air with SpaceX thrusters, won't land until 2028

Tesla has unveiled a new version of its Roadster electric vehicle, which features SpaceX-developed thrusters for mid-air maneuverability. The vehicle is expected to remain in development until 2028 before it reaches the market. This update highlights Tesla's ongoing collaboration with SpaceX, Elon Musk's aerospace company, to integrate advanced propulsion technology into automotive designs. The new Roadster is anticipated to offer enhanced performance capabilities compared to previous models.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses technological advancements in electric vehicles and their integration with aerospace technology. There is no indication of political bias, framing, or controversy in the content provided.

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