Tesla unveils ‘flying’ sports car with SpaceX rocket thrusters

Tesla showcased its futuristic new Roadster model on Thursday, demonstrating its ability for short bursts of flight using pressurized air. The electric vehicle, set to enter production in 2028, was unveiled at SpaceX's McGregor, Texas test facility during a live event hosted by CEO Elon Musk.

During the demonstration, the Tesla Roadster was able to navigate a curved ramp, jumping and inverting before using its air thrusters to correct its orientation and land safely on all four wheels. The vehicle also successfully maneuvered between parked cars and a semitruck, showcasing its short-burst flight capabilities.

The Roadster utilizes an innovative air-based rocket booster system, a non-combustion technology similar to that used in some SpaceX rockets. This system employs cold, compressed gas to generate thrust and improve handling. The car is capable of generating suction to enhance performance and can even drive on vertical surfaces.

Acceleration of the Tesla Roadster from 0 to 60 mph was claimed to be an impressive 0.81 seconds, a feat achieved through a combination of its compressed air and electric motor. Musk boldly stated that the Roadster could exceed this performance, with a target top speed of Mach 0.5, or half the speed of sound.

The vehicle's air supply, totaling approximately 260 kilograms, is replenished using an onboard compressor. Musk emphasized the collaborative nature of the development, attributing the Roadster's creation to the joint efforts of Tesla and SpaceX.

The unveiling of the new Roadster comes at a challenging time for Tesla, as the automaker battles a decline in sales for two consecutive years. Factors contributing to this decline include intensified competition in China and controversy surrounding Musk's political views. Earlier, Tesla had faced criticism for discontinuing production of its X and S models to focus on manufacturing its Optimus robot, driven by Musk's vision of artificial intelligence and robotics as future growth drivers for the company.