Tesla Unveils Second-Generation Roadster with SpaceX Thrusters
- Tesla unveiled the second-generation Roadster at a SpaceX test site in Texas on October 15, 2026.
- The vehicle features SpaceX-developed thruster technology and can accelerate from zero to 100kph in one second.
- NIO founder William Li and XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng praised the design while noting the need for flight certification.
- Nearly 20 flying-car concept stocks in China hit their limit-up on the A-share market following the announcement.
- Production for the new Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028 with limited-edition models featuring aerial capabilities.
Tesla unveiled the second-generation Roadster at a SpaceX rocket test site in McGregor, Texas, on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The demonstration featured the vehicle driving upside down, flipping, and jumping over other Tesla vehicles.
The Roadster followed a C-shaped track, hovered vertically, remained suspended, and completed a 180-degree flip in mid-air before landing. It launched off a curved ramp and landed using built-in thrusters.
Industry figures have raised questions regarding the Roadster's flight certification, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Performance specs and 2028 production timeline
The second-generation Roadster is scheduled for production in 2028 and features SpaceX-developed thruster technology.
In the United States, reservations are open for the Performance version with a $50,000 deposit and the Thrust version with a $250,000 deposit, while the Rocket version is available by invitation only. Tesla’s China website accepts reservations for the Performance version with a fully refundable deposit of 332,000 yuan, or $49,653.
Chinese EV leaders praise bold creativity
NIO founder and CEO Li Bin reposted the Tesla demonstration video on Sina Weibo on October 17. He commented, "This is incredible! We really don't have this - thumbs up for Tesla".
This comment referenced an eight-year-old remark by Li that became a viral internet meme. The meme quotes Li saying, "whatever Tesla has, I have; and what I have, Tesla doesn't".
XPENG chairman He Xiaopeng said on WeChat that the Roadster represents "a very cool alternative form of a flying car". He noted that realization of the vehicle depends on flight safety, performance parameters, range, and flight certification.
XPENG AEROHT founder Zhao Deli said the demonstration showcased "bold creativity" and vector-control technology. He added that the performance helps more people believe in the future of flying cars.
China's A-share market reacts to flying-car concept
China’s A-share market reacted to the unveiling on October 16. Nearly 20 stocks related to flying-car concepts hit their limit-up following the demonstration.
Regulatory hurdles and certification concerns
Tesla notes that vehicle sales depend on local laws and regulations at the time of launch. Elon Musk said he is not sure if the vehicle is "necessarily legal in all jurisdictions," but he added that the Roadster "will be an actual car on the roads".
George Agathangelou, general manager and executive director of Teroxx, questioned whether drivers will need a pilot’s license or aviation certification. Agathangelou also raised concerns regarding how liability, insurance, and airspace restrictions will work.
David Thomas, director of content marketing at CDK Global, called the vehicle a "tremendous feat of engineering". Thomas questioned where the car would be filled with fuel and said it is unlikely to be insured.
Industry context and competitive landscape
Other companies have pursued similar technology. In 2021, Britain’s McMurtry introduced the Speirling, an electric hypercar using fans for downforce, while Tesla uses a combination of suction and thrusters.
Klein Vision’s AirCar received airworthiness certification from Slovakian authorities in 2022, though it requires a pilot’s license to operate. XPeng has worked on its own flying car project since 2021 but has delayed its production target multiple times.
Historical delays and limited-edition availability
Tesla first delivered the original Roadster in 2008 for about $100,000 before discontinuing the model in 2012. The company announced plans for a new Roadster in 2017 with a target delivery date of 2020, but the project has faced repeated delays.
Elon Musk confirmed the thruster-powered models will be limited-edition and not street-legal. Standard street-legal versions will not include aerial capabilities.
Analysts at Raman Technology stated the performance is "not antigravity magic, [as] it integrates aerospace technology inside an electric vehicle". Musk stated that production of the Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Tesla's "Flying" Roadster Sparks Buzz Among Chinese EV Chiefs — NIO's William Li: "We Definitely Don't Have This" — BigGo Finance (finance.biggo.com)
- 'Bold creativity', but 'certification remains crucial': Chinese auto industry leaders react to Tesla's 'flying car' Roadster - Global Times (globaltimes.cn)
- Tesla's Roadster can fly, and Nio's William Li admits: 'This we really don't have' - CnEVPost (cnevpost.com)
- XPeng CEO Calls Tesla Roadster ‘Very Cool’ but Flags Flight Certification | EV (eletric-vehicles.com)
- Up in the air: Tesla's 'flying' Roadster raises more questions than answers | The National (thenationalnews.com)
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