Tesla Flying Car Unveiled by Elon Musk with 2028 Target

Tesla flying car grabs attention after Elon Musk demonstrates the new Roadster with SpaceX thrusters and announces a planned 2028 production date

Tesla has given the public a look at its new Roadster, and this time, the car did more than drive. At a demonstration in Texas on October 15, 2026, the vehicle climbed a ramp, flipped through the air and landed using rocket-style thrusters. Elon Musk says production is planned for 2028.

The Tesla flying car attracted attention for its unusual stunts, but there is still a big difference between jumping into the air and flying over long distances. The demonstration showed what the car could do in a controlled setting. It did not prove that owners will be able to use it as an aircraft.

Tesla Roadster Uses SpaceX Technology

The new Roadster is a two-seat sports car fitted with high-pressure air tanks and 10 nozzles. These help the vehicle perform airborne movements and are also intended to improve acceleration on the road.

During the event, the car climbed a steep ramp and turned upside down before flipping back into the air. It also jumped over a row of parked Tesla vehicles. No driver was inside during these demonstrations.

Musk said the decision was made for safety reasons. The technology is experimental, and having no one inside the car reduced the risk during the stunts.

More details about the unveiling are available in Reuters' report on the next-generation Tesla Roadster.

Tesla has also made a striking claim about speed. Vehicle engineering chief Lars Moravy said the Roadster could go from zero to 60 mph in less than one second. Buyers will have to wait for the production version to see how closely it matches that claim.

Elon Musk Flying Car Still Has a Long Way to Go

The Elon Musk flying car announcement sounds exciting, but experts have raised practical concerns. A car that briefly leaves the ground is not the same as one that can travel safely through the air.

Cars are heavy and need features such as bumpers and crash protection. Aircraft, on the other hand, must manage weight, lift and stability carefully. Combining both sets of requirements can make a vehicle difficult and expensive to develop.

CNN's coverage of the event examines these challenges. The Roadster has not demonstrated sustained flight, and its ability to travel beyond short airborne movements remains uncertain. Rules governing road vehicles and aircraft could also limit where its thrusters can be used.

Flying Tesla Car Production Planned for 2028

Tesla first introduced plans for the next-generation Roadster in 2017. Since then, its release has been delayed several times. Musk now points to 2028 for production, although the company still needs to deliver a finished vehicle.

As The Verge reported in its coverage of the Roadster reveal, the demonstration put the car's unusual capabilities in the spotlight. Whether all the features will appear in the production model remains to be confirmed.

For now, the flying Tesla car has shown that it can perform short airborne stunts. Flying over long distances is another matter entirely. More testing and details from Tesla will be needed before the Roadster can be judged as a practical flying vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Tesla flying car?

It is a version of the Tesla Roadster demonstrated with thrusters that allow it to perform short airborne stunts.

2. When is the new Tesla Roadster expected to launch?

Tesla has set a target of 2028 for production.

3. How does the Roadster get off the ground?

The demonstrated car uses high-pressure air tanks and 10 nozzles to produce thrust.

4. Can the Tesla Roadster fly long distances?

There has been no demonstration of long-distance or sustained flight. So far, the car has performed short airborne manoeuvres.

5. How fast can the new Roadster accelerate?

Tesla's vehicle engineering chief claims it can reach 60 mph from a standstill in less than one second. The final production model will need to confirm that performance.