First look: Tesla has unveiled a next-generation Roadster that is said to be capable of flight, with a single-seat rocket configuration designed to lift off the ground and maneuver in the air. The Rocket is the most ambitious of the three versions, with a claimed zero-to-60 mph time of under 0.59 seconds. The technology pushes the roadster beyond the performance of traditional sports cars, but it remains unclear whether owners will be allowed to use its full capabilities.
In the Rocket configuration, thrusters are arranged around the vehicle to provide forward and upward acceleration as well as lateral rotation. All-electric actuators make small adjustments to stabilize the vehicle in flight.
Tesla demonstrated flight maneuvers outside Waco, Texas, near SpaceX’s McGregor site on Thursday evening. The roadster climbed a curved ramp until it was upside down, then took off, rolled over and landed on the pavement. It also hovered over a moving lineup that included a Cybercab, a Cybertruck, a Tesla Semi, a Model Y and a Model 3.
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
“Well, it worked,” said Elon Musk. “Flying cars are real.”
Musk described the car as a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers. He said: “This will be the actual car that drives on the roads,” although Tesla has said the Roadster is not legal for public use. Rocket is available by invitation only and is not offered in every region.
The Roadster uses a separate fan system to remain attached to a surface. Together with a floor seal, the fans draw air from the underside of the vehicle to create suction. Tesla says suction can keep the vehicle upside down even when stopped, unlike aerodynamic features that rely on the car’s movement. The car also features active wings and a track mode that lowers the ride height.
This system appears in the two-seat Performance configuration, which Tesla claims has a zero-to-60 mph time of under 1.6 seconds. The performance is possible by prior reservation.
The two-seat Thrust version also features rear-mounted cold gas engines and reduces the specified acceleration time to under 0.9 seconds. Tesla calls it race-ready and plans a limited release.
Rocket removes the second seat and utilizes the perimeter-mounted thrusters for a greater range of motion. Its published acceleration time is significantly shorter than the one-second zero-to-60 mph sprint that Tesla showed during the demonstration. Tesla also claims a top speed of over 230 miles per hour and a range of over 300 miles.
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
According to Tesla, weight has been reduced through magnesium, titanium, carbon fiber, manual controls and a fixed seating position. The cabin features a steer-by-wire fork, a central touchscreen and two smaller displays in front of the driver.
The exterior features hidden headlights, a full-length taillight and Ano White paint inspired by aerospace coatings. Gold-tinted glass is modeled on spacesuit visors. Inside, Tesla combines an Ultrawhite interior with gray microsuede.
Tesla has reopened reservations that require a $50,000 deposit, but has not announced vehicle pricing. Production for Giga Texas is scheduled for 2027 or 2028. Musk said production would begin 12 to 18 months after demonstration.
Musk called the Roadster “the best of the last human-powered cars” but admitted he’s “not sure it makes a huge difference from a sales perspective.” He has also warned that buyers whose top priority is safety should buy it.
