Tesla unveils ‘flying’ sports car with SpaceX rocket thrusters - Financial Times

Tesla held an event in San Francisco on 15 October to unveil a redesigned version of its Roadster sports electric vehicle, featuring rocket‑style thrusters developed in partnership with SpaceX. The two‑seat, white‑painted car was presented as a next‑generation model that incorporates aerospace technology into a road‑legal vehicle.

During the demonstration the Roadster was driven upside down up a ramp using a suction system, then stabilized and landed with the aid of built‑in thrusters. The vehicle later used those thrusters to clear a truck and other obstacles, performing a mid‑air twist before touching down again.

Tesla announced that production of the new Roadster is slated to begin in 2028, more than ten years after the company first displayed a next‑generation concept of the sports car. The timeline marks a significant shift from earlier projected launch dates that were not met.

The reveal comes as Tesla continues to prioritize development of self‑driving technology and robotics, and it arrives just days before the company’s third‑quarter earnings report, which analysts consider a key indicator of financial performance.

Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, described the event as an “engineering flex with no commercial value beyond embarrassing traditional car makers” and suggested it reflects Elon Musk’s interest in bringing Tesla and SpaceX closer together. He noted that the Roadster showcase may be intended to generate excitement about a potential merger of the two companies he leads.

Overall, the unveiling provides Tesla with a high‑profile showcase after a series of delayed Roadster milestones, positioning the vehicle as a demonstration of technical capability rather than an immediate revenue driver.