Tesla unveils second-generation Roadster, ‘flying car’ demo leaps over 5 cars on thrusters
First seen · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul) · Last updated · Oct 17, 4:04 AM (Seoul)
Tesla unveiled its second-generation Roadster at a SpaceX test site in Texas on Oct. 15, showing it clearing five Tesla vehicles using thrusters. Production is slated for 2028, but no price or release date has been announced.
What happened
Tesla unveiled the new second-generation Roadster on Oct. 15 local time at a SpaceX test site near Waco, Texas. Using thrusters, the car leapt over five Tesla vehicles — a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Semi, Model Y and Model 3 — before landing softly with cold-gas thrusters.
Why it's trending
Elon Musk’s long-delayed Roadster reappeared as a ‘flying car,’ and the demo video spread widely online. Tesla said a fan-based suction system pins the car to the road, while self-refilling cold-gas thrusters handle maneuvers in the air. Fox Business reported that it goes from 0 to 60 mph in under one second.
Reactions
Electrek called it the most impressive demo it had seen, while questioning how the claims were achieved. The driver’s seat was empty during the demo, and Musk himself said it “may not be legal everywhere.” In South Korea, SBS ran the demo video, and Careet named ‘Tesla flying car’ a micro-trend rising on X.
What to watch
Production is planned for 2028, but price and release date have not been announced. Tesla said the rocket-equipped version has not been approved for use on public roads.