Tesla Shows Airborne Roadster Prototype, Targets 2028 Production

Tesla demonstrated a Roadster prototype performing brief airborne stunts at an event in McGregor, Texas, on October 15, showing the car drive upside down, leap into the air, rotate and land. The company said production is targeted to begin in 2028, but the staged display did not demonstrate sustained flight or establish the performance of a customer vehicle. In footage shown during the event, the Roadster climbed a curved ramp and traveled upside down using an underbody suction system before lifting off and landing. Tesla said thrusters helped the prototype perform its aerial maneuvers. The vehicle was unoccupied and remotely controlled during the demonstration, according to event accounts. Tesla has described three versions: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The company characterizes Performance as road-ready. Thrust is a limited version with rear thrusters, while Rocket is a single-seat configuration with a full flight system offered by invitation. Tesla’s materials say Rocket is not approved for public-road use. Elon Musk said legality could vary by jurisdiction. Tesla also timed an event acceleration demonstration at 0.81 seconds from zero to 60 miles per hour. The company...