Musk présente sa nouvelle Tesla Roadster: la voiture qui peut voler et atteindre les 100 km/h en moins d'une seconde

Tesla unveiled its new Roadster, a high-performance electric vehicle equipped with propulsion systems resembling those of rockets, allowing it to fly, leap, and perform aerial maneuvers during a live demonstration held at SpaceX's testing facilities in Texas on October 14, 2026. Developed jointly by Tesla engineers and SpaceX, which is also controlled by Elon Musk, the prototype used compressed air stored at extremely high pressure instead of conventional rocket fuel for its flight capabilities. During the event, the Roadster climbed a steep ramp using a suction system, flipped upside down mid-air, executed a controlled rotation, and landed safely. It later demonstrated jumping over a range of Tesla vehicles and performing additional acrobatic feats. The vehicle features two seats and a steer-by-wire system, enabling it to accelerate from zero to nearly 100 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour) in under one second. Its maximum speed is projected to exceed 370 kilometers per hour, with a range of more than 480 kilometers on a single charge. According to Tesla’s website, reservations for the traditional model require a deposit of $50,000, while a version with “thrust accelerators,” not approved for road use, requires a $250,000 deposit. A third variant featuring a “complete flight system” is available only by invitation and includes a single seat, capable of taking off and maneuvering in the air. The Roadster was initially announced in 2008 as Tesla’s first electric car and was discontinued in 2012. Its return was announced in 2017, though production has been delayed multiple times. The company aims to begin production in 2028, although specific pricing details have yet to be disclosed. Elon Musk stated that the vehicle is not necessarily optimized for safety, raising questions about its potential approval for public road use. During the presentation, Musk emphasized the collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, stating that the Roadster represents the result of working with the best automobile manufacturer and the best rocket company in the world. He noted the need for an audience to verify that the demonstration was not based on artificial intelligence. Analysts suggest this collaboration could signal Musk’s attempt to generate interest in merging the two companies he controls. Tesla hopes the unveiling will boost its automotive business, particularly as attention shifts toward artificial intelligence and the development of humanoid robots. However, investors remain skeptical about the commercial value of such engineering feats beyond demonstrating superiority over traditional automakers. Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management commented that the demonstration was primarily an engineering showcase with limited commercial appeal beyond embarrassing traditional car manufacturers. The Roadster incorporates advanced technologies such as cold-gas thrusters for descent, a suction system powered by fans supplied by SpaceX to generate up to two Gs of force, and ten nozzles for executing maneuvers. It also features two ultra-high-pressure air tanks totaling 600 liters, containing approximately 250 kilograms of air, and can recharge its own tank without requiring specialized chemical propellant. Three versions of the Roadster are planned: the Performance model, which can accelerate from 0 to almost 100 kilometers per hour in less than 1.6 seconds and uses a suction system under the body to increase road grip; the Thrust version, equipped with rear thrusters reducing acceleration time to under 0.9 seconds; and the Rocket version, designed for aerial maneuvers with a single seat and capable of reaching near 100 kilometers per hour in under 0.59 seconds. Despite its impressive capabilities, the Roadster faces regulatory hurdles due to its unique design and performance characteristics. While Musk claims it will be a genuine car for long-term manual driving, Tesla acknowledges it may not be certified for public roads. The company continues to focus on autonomous vehicles and robotics, with the Roadster serving as a technological showcase rather than a primary product line. Tesla plans to start production in 2028, but exact launch dates and prices remain undisclosed. The project faced delays as Tesla prioritized other models like the Model Y and Cybertruck, along with its autonomous driving and robot initiatives. The unveiling highlights the ongoing technological collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, reflecting Musk’s broader vision for integrating aerospace and automotive innovations.