Cars
Tesla's new Roadster flew over other cars, but its price and road status are still unknown
By the newsroom · · 1 min read · ▶ 0:46
The essentials
What happened
The event was livestreamed from a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, near Waco.[1] Engineering VP Lars Moravy said the Roadster uses 10 thrusters connected to 600 liters of compressed air to lift and spin the car in midair.[2] The car also used the thrusters to lift itself over a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3 while in motion.[2] During a test Tesla conducted at the event, the Roadster went 0 to 60 mph in 0.81 seconds.[3] Reservations cost $50,000 for the Performance and $250,000 for Thrust, and the Rocket trim is billed as "invite only."[2]
The tech news that matters, in your inbox
What the video doesn't say
Tesla first showed the new Roadster in November 2017 and promised production in 2020.[4] Musk delayed the car in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024.[2] Tesla is asking buyers for a $5,000 deposit, followed by a $45,000 wire transfer due within 10 days.[3] Tesla stock rose as much as 5.4% during premarket trading on Friday.[3]
What's next?
Musk said the next-generation Roadster would enter production in 2028.[1]
Sources
- 1Tesla unveils long-delayed Roadster developed with SpaceX, fueling merger speculationCNBC · October 15, 2026
- 2Tesla reveals SpaceX-powered Roadster that flies and falls with style | TechCrunchTechCrunch · October 16, 2026
- 3Tesla stock pops after unveiling Roadster with compressed air thrusters for limited flightYahoo Finance · October 16, 2026
- 4Tesla is unveiling the new Roadster for real this time, promiseElectrek · October 14, 2026
Photos: Dllu (CC BY-SA 4.0), Dllu (CC BY-SA 4.0), Ministério Das Comunicações (CC BY 2.0), Morten Haagensen (CC BY-SA 4.0), W.carter (CC BY-SA 4.0). Cropped.
The tech news that matters, in your inbox