Tesla unveils next-generation Roadster with SpaceX-powered flight capabilities

On October 15, 2026, Tesla officially unveiled its long-awaited new Roadster at a SpaceX testing facility in McGregor, Texas. Nearly nine years after its initial announcement, the vehicle demonstrated unprecedented capabilities, including the ability to drive inverted on a specialized ramp, perform mid-air rotations, and hover over other vehicles. Elon Musk confirmed that the car uses cold-gas thrusters and under-body fan systems to achieve these maneuvers. During the event, the company claimed the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h in just 0.81 seconds, though these figures remain unverified by independent parties.

The Roadster will be available in three distinct configurations: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. The demonstration featured an unmanned prototype to ensure safety during the high-risk tests, which Musk noted were not guaranteed to succeed. The vehicle integrates aerospace technology developed in collaboration with SpaceX to manage its unique propulsion and stability requirements.

Following the successful demonstration, Tesla announced that the production of the new Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028. Further details regarding the specific differences between the three editions remain pending as the company moves toward the manufacturing phase.