Elon Musk has unveiled Tesla’s new Roadster, featuring air-jet technology designed to allow the sports car to briefly leap into the air.
During a demonstration at a SpaceX facility in Texas, the vehicle performed aerial stunts, including jumping over a row of parked Tesla cars. The demonstration highlighted the Roadster’s unusual approach to combining high-performance driving with short airborne movements.
Musk said production of the new Roadster is planned for 2028. The vehicle uses 10 nozzles and high-pressure air tanks to generate thrust for its airborne movements while also supporting acceleration on the road.
The demonstration showed the car making short jumps rather than sustained flight. The technology therefore represents a different concept from a fully operational flying car capable of remaining airborne for extended periods.
Experts have pointed to significant engineering challenges that would need to be addressed before such technology could become practical for everyday transportation. These challenges include safety, stability, energy requirements and the management of high-pressure propulsion systems.
The Roadster has attracted attention because of its combination of conventional road-car design and technology associated with aerospace engineering. Tesla’s plans suggest that the company intends to develop the vehicle as a high-performance sports car with capabilities beyond traditional driving.
With production currently planned for 2028, further testing and development will be required before the technology reaches customers. The final production version could also differ from the vehicle demonstrated in Texas.
The demonstration has nevertheless generated significant interest in the future of high-performance electric vehicles and the possibility of incorporating advanced propulsion technology into road cars.
