Tesla Roadster rocket thrusters can briefly lift and flip car

The car uses cold-gas thrusters positioned around the vehicle to deliver straight-line acceleration and short bursts of flight. A separate suction system under the car pulls in air to create downforce, enabling it to grip surfaces and even drive up a vertical ramp and hold upside down for a moment. Tesla calls one aerial move the “kick-flip,” and Musk claimed the setup will allow “cornering like you’re breaking physics.”

As with any vehicle that can fly or operate with propulsion beyond typical road use, questions loom about airspace rules, licensing, and on-road safety. Tesla described the demos as autonomous and noted safety precautions, but it’s not yet clear how the car will be tested, certified, or allowed to operate on public roads or in normal traffic. No dates were given for the broader regulatory approvals that would let customers actually fly the Roadster in real life.

Tesla confirmed production should begin in 2028 and reiterated the reservation structure: $5,000 now, plus $45,000 within 10 days to keep the slot. The final price for different versions hasn’t been disclosed in detail, though Tesla described a few variants, Performance, Thrust, and a high-end Rocket model, each with its own balance of propulsion and track capabilities.

For普通 car shoppers, this is more about the headline than an immediate purchase. The Roadster’s tech signals a broader push toward high-performance EVs with rocket-like tech. If you’re thinking about buying an EV today, this is a reminder that speed and novelty aren’t the only things that influence value; the real-world costs, regulatory hurdles, and practical use cases matter more than a few seconds shaved off a 0–60 time.

Tesla says production starts in 2028. Until then, look for more details on final specs, price ranges, and how the different versions differ in performance and track suitability. If you’re curious, keep an eye out for official documents outlining road and air-use approvals and any regional restrictions that may apply once the Roadster hits real markets.