Back in 2017, Tesla showcased its concept of a Roadster flying car, and now, after nine years, the company demonstrated a redesigned Roadster that drove upside down on a specially designed ramp, performed brief airborne manoeuvres and landed safely during an event at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas.
Real life, baby pic.twitter.com/3QEqn18wig
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
Redesigned Tesla Roadster
Roadster is inspired by the SR-71 & F-35. It features active aerodynamics, a multi-mode suction system and SpaceX’s cold-gas thrusters.
On the outside, it features concealed headlights, a full-length taillight & flush-mounted surfaces for a minimalist, highly technical form. Super-light wheels with thin spokes reinforce structural strength when earthbound. The Ano white paint brings an aerospace-derived finish with UV & cryogenic protection, electrostatic dissipation & corrosion resistance. The Gold Glazed tinted glass mimics the copper coating of spacesuit visors, with subtle titanium accents.
Interior
– Ultrawhite interior w/ gray microsuede detailing & seat bolsters for added grip– Manual controls & a fixed seat position reduce overall vehicle mass
– Lightweight, high-strength materials throughout, including magnesium, titanium & carbon fiber help reduce it… pic.twitter.com/N0Kcf5Ioak
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
On the inside, it features ultrawhite interiors with grey microsuede detailing and seat bolsters for added grip. Manual controls and a fixed seat position reduce overall vehicle mass, while lightweight, high-strength materials throughout, including magnesium, titanium and carbon fiber help reduce it further. The yoke is designed specifically for steer-by-wire. A centre touchscreen supported by two smaller forward displays provides critical driving info.
Tesla’s multi-mode fan and ground sealing system act as a downforce generator, pulling air out from beneath the vehicle. This provides enough suction to hold the vehicle upside down, even when stationary. Powered fans and active wings maximise traction and cornering speeds in all conditions, achieving massive downforce at zero speed. Drivers can activate track mode to lower the car and transform the suspension. High downforce or low drag modes can then be used as needed on the track.
Do a kickflip! pic.twitter.com/DJ1Bq1yu8m
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
SpaceX’s advanced cold-gas thrusters use all-electric actuators to offer precise thrust, completing micro-adjustments within a fraction of a second. As revealed by the company, it reaches 0- 60 mph in 0.81 seconds (0.67 seconds with rollout subtracted).
There are three configurations of this flying car:
- Performance (open for reservation): Road Ready with seating for 2. It features active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system that maximises downforce for next-level performance on and off the track.
- Thrust (limited release): Race-ready with seating for 2. It.grey. features a multi-mode suction system paired with cold-gas thrusters in the rear of the vehicle that propel Roadster from 0-60 in under 1 second.
- Rocket (can be purchased with invite only): Air-ready with seating for 1. It features a multi-mode suction system paired with cold-gas thrusters positioned around the perimeter of the vehicle that support forward and upward acceleration as well as lateral rotational movement. This variant is not approved for public road use.
As per reports, the company is now planning to begin production in 2028.
Reservations open in India
Tesla Roadster reservations are now open in India. The Thrust model costs Rs 2,50,25,000, while the Performance model costs Rs 50,06,000.
