Tesla Reveals SpaceX-Powered Roadster With Flying Stunts, 2028 Launch

Tesla unveiled its second-generation Roadster at an event outside Waco, Texas on October 15, 2026, featuring cold-gas thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX engineers. The vehicle demonstrated aerial maneuvers including driving up an inverted ramp, performing a controlled flip, and lifting itself over other Tesla vehicles—a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3—while in motion before landing on pavement.

The Roadster will be offered in three trims with different capabilities. The "Performance" trim is described as road-ready with active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system. The "Thrust" trim is race-ready and equipped with rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters enabling sub-one-second 0–60 acceleration. The "Rocket" trim, positioned as invite-only, features 10 cold-gas thrusters positioned around the vehicle for full three-dimensional control. All three trims offer 300 miles of range and exceed 230 miles per hour top speed.

The vehicle uses 10 thrusters connected to 600 liters of compressed air stored in carbon fiber overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs)—the same tank design SpaceX uses on Falcon 9 rockets. Engineering VP Lars Moravy confirmed the air tank can be recharged. CEO Elon Musk demonstrated a 0–60 time of one second during the event and described the vehicle as "the best of the last of the human-driven cars." Production is expected to begin in 2028, with Tesla taking reservations at $50,000 for the Performance trim and $250,000 for Thrust. Musk also mentioned Tesla may attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon, a reference to stuntman Evel Knievel's famous attempt.

Musk stated that "safety is not the main goal" with the new Roadster, comparing it to Ferrari's philosophy. Earlier specifications from 2017—which remain the only official figures Tesla has confirmed beyond the recent event—cited 620 miles of range, top speed above 250 mph, and prices starting at $200,000 for the base model and $250,000 for a Founders Series variant. The vehicle's design was inspired by SR-71 and F-35 fighter planes and draws aesthetic reference to the Lotus Esprit submarine car featured in the James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me."