Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has unveiled a new Roadster sports car that appeared to fly during a livestreamed event at a SpaceX facility in Texas.
The vehicle launched from a curved ramp, travelling upside down along its surface before leaving the end, rotating 180 degrees in mid-air and landing on its wheels.
The demonstration took place at a SpaceX test facility in Waco and was broadcast on Tesla’s X account. The car was fitted with thrusters and high-pressure gas boosters, which Musk said were powered by “ultra high-pressure air tanks”.
“Flying cars are real,” Mr Musk said, while acknowledging that the vehicle’s “success is not guaranteed” but adding: “It will probably work.”
Tesla Roadster production planned for 2028
Mr Musk said the Roadster would go into production in 2028. He described its development as the result of “a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company”, referring to Tesla and SpaceX.
Technical and regulatory difficulties have so far held back the development of flying cars, despite interest in the concept. American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss unveiled a flying car prototype in 1917.
More serious consideration has emerged in recent years as electric motors and high-performance batteries have advanced, although the Tesla demonstration represents an unusual combination of a sports car and rocket-style propulsion.
