Flying cars: Tesla's new Roadster uses SpaceX thrusters to turn in the air, can drive upside down
The reveal gives Tesla a showpiece car after years of missed Roadster deadlines, but it comes as the company shifts its focus to self-driving technology and robotics.
Tesla unveiled a redesigned Roadster on Thursday, powered with rocket-style thrusters and developed in collaboration with SpaceX. The white two-seater vehicle demonstrated its capabilities by driving upside down on a ramp, turning in the air, and landing using built-in thrusters. The event showcased the car's ability to jump over vehicles, twisting in the air during the maneuver.
The Roadster, a halo car for Tesla, will start production in 2028, more than a decade after its first prototype was shown. While some observers speculated about a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has dismissed such an idea. The event came as Tesla shifts its focus to self-driving technology and robotics, and ahead of third-quarter results that analysts deem more important to investors.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post Tech & Start-Ups's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 7 other outlets
- Flying cars: Tesla's new Roadster uses SpaceX thrusters to turn in the air, can drive upside down jpost.com
- The Tesla Roadster flew, drove upside down, and hit 60mph in under a second theverge.com
- Tesla unveils new Roadster with flight capabilities; set for production in 2028 investing.com
- Tesla unveils long delayed roadster with spacex thrusters and 2028 target dailytimes.com.pk
- Tesla unveils ‘flying’ sports car with SpaceX rocket thrusters ft.com
- Tesla shows off a flying Roadster that can drive upside down seekingalpha.com
- Upside down, mid-air and over 5 Teslas: What powered the new Roadster’s stunt? indianexpress.com
