New Delhi: Elon Musk’s Tesla has unveiled a radically revamped Roadster that can drive up vertical walls and “fly” briefly using cold-gas thrusters — a demonstration that signals the growing convergence of Tesla and SpaceX technologies, even as the vehicle remains years away from reaching customers.
On October 15, 2026, Musk showcased the new Roadster at an unveiling event where the car performed an aerial stunt — driving up a curved ramp, flying off the edge, flipping mid-air, and landing safely amid a cloud of white fumes. While the demo thrilled audiences, the production version will not arrive until 2028 and must clear numerous regulatory hurdles before hitting public roads.
Space-Tech on Wheels
Tesla is marketing the new Roadster as an “extra-terrestrial vehicle,” drawing deliberate parallels to rocket design. According to Tesla vehicle engineering chief Lars Moravy, the car can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/hr in under a second and reach a top speed exceeding 370 km/hr.
The vehicle’s vertical and upside-down driving capability comes from a multi-mode fan and ground sealing system that pulls air out from beneath the car to generate suction. Cold-gas thrusters, meanwhile, provide stability during flight.
Not Your Average Roadster
Buyers should note that the headline-grabbing “flying car” features are limited to the invite-only, single-seater ‘Rocket’ augmented model — which is not approved for use on public roads. A limited-release ‘Thrust’ variant seats two and includes the multi-mode suction system with rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters for sub-second acceleration. A ‘Performance’ model, also a two-seater, features active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system for maximised downforce on and off the track.
A single charge can cover more than 480 km, though full specifications are still awaited.
India Reservations Open — With Caveats
Tesla’s India website is accepting reservations. The ‘Performance’ variant requires a ₹5,01,000 booking amount with ₹45,05,000 due within 10 days, while the ‘Thrust’ variant demands ₹5,01,000 upfront and a staggering ₹2,45,24,000 within 10 days.
However, the Roadster is only available as a Left-Hand Drive vehicle, which will create legal complications in India.
Regulatory Roadblocks
Musk has acknowledged that the car may not be legal in all countries. The demonstration did not involve a human driver, and the flight system will require extensive testing before commercial release to certify safety for potential human occupants.
The Roadster also highlights how legislation regulating car manufacturers is fast becoming outdated. International lawmakers, automobile safety experts, and medical professionals will all need to assess the vehicle’s suction capabilities, gas thruster systems, and flight safety.
The launch comes as Musk recently introduced his self-driving, steering wheel-less Tesla CyberCab on a limited basis — even before the NHTSA announced an investigation into its certification standards.
Tesla’s Answer to Critics
The Roadster launch is Tesla’s response to critics who point to its ageing car line-up and lack of innovative designs compared to international EV makers. Yet Tesla faces a formidable challenge: turning a flashy concept into a cutting-edge product by the time it reaches customers in 2028 — assuming no further delays.
As Musk shared the livestream on X, he posted simply: “Tesla x SpaceX.” More than a flying car demonstration, the event underscored how the two companies’ technologies are converging — even if, sometimes, impractically.
Tesla is scheduled to report its third-quarter results on October 21.
