Tesla Roadster Prototype Makes Brief Airborne Maneuvers

Tesla demonstrated a Roadster prototype making brief airborne maneuvers at an event in McGregor, Texas, on October 15, while saying production is targeted for 2028. The livestreamed display showed the electric sports car climbing a curved ramp, traveling upside down, lifting into the air, rotating and landing. The demonstration did not establish that the vehicle can sustain flight or travel through the air over distance. Tesla said the prototype used an underbody suction system and thrusters to perform the maneuvers. It was unoccupied during the demonstration; Elon Musk said the decision was intended to prevent injuries. The event also included an acceleration test that Tesla timed at 0.81 seconds from zero to 60 miles per hour. Tesla claims the Roadster can reach that speed in under a second, but neither the test nor the company’s broader performance claims independently establishes what a production vehicle will achieve. The company has described different Roadster configurations, including road-focused versions and an invitation-only Rocket version with a full flight system. Reporting says the Rocket version is not approved for public roads. Musk also acknowledged that...