Tesla unveiled its redesigned second-generation Roadster on the night of Wednesday, October 15, 2026 (U.S. time), at a SpaceX test site in Texas, demonstrating a car that uses thrusters to leave the ground and that the company calls a flying car, according to reports from CNN, CBS News, TechCrunch and Fox Business.
Thrusters, a ramp and a flip
In the demonstration, the Roadster used thrusters to clear a ramp, flip and land, and it also cleared a row of Tesla vehicles, CNN and CBS News reported. The car did not have a driver during the demonstration.
Elon Musk said the car is equipped with "ultra high-pressure air tanks" to propel itself into the air, CBS News reported. Fox Business reported that the Roadster hits 60 miles per hour in under a second.
An aviation expert's caution
An aviation expert told CNN the demonstration is closer to hopping than true flight. Whether the car can fly in a meaningful way while also driving fast on roads remains to be proven.
The New York Post reported that owners may need more than a driver's license to operate the Roadster, as it is likely to be subject to unusual regulations.
Production target of 2028; pricing not settled
Musk said the Roadster would go into production in 2028, according to CNN and CBS News. Pricing has not been settled.
Fox Business reported that Tesla's reservation page listed a $50,000 reservation payment for a "Performance" version and a $250,000 reservation payment for a "Thrust" version.
First shown as a concept in 2017
Tesla first unveiled the Roadster as a concept prototype in November 2017, with production originally planned for 2020.
The unveiling comes as Tesla reshapes its lineup. On its January 28, 2026 earnings call, the company said it would wind down production of the Model S and Model X as it shifts toward autonomy and robotics, Fox Business reported.
Images: Tesla livestream via @sam_badawi on X (frames enhanced)