Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has unveiled a futuristic version of the company’s Roadster electric sports car capable of performing aerial manoeuvres using rocket-style thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX.
The vehicle was demonstrated on Thursday at a SpaceX testing facility in Texas, United States, where it performed a series of stunts, including lifting off the ground, turning in mid-air and landing on its wheels.
Musk described the development as a major technological milestone, declaring that “flying cars are real” during the event, which was livestreamed on Tesla’s social media platform, X.
According to reports, the Roadster uses ultra-high-pressure compressed air and thrusters to propel itself into the air. It also features an underbody suction system that enables it to maintain contact with a specially designed ramp during some of its stunts.
Tesla said the vehicle could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour (about 97 kilometres per hour) in less than one second and reach a top speed exceeding 230 miles per hour (about 370 kilometres per hour).
The electric sports car is also expected to offer a driving range of more than 300 miles (approximately 480 kilometres) on a single charge.
Musk said production was expected to begin in 2028.
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