Tesla Roadster: A Flying Car? Latest Launch Updates and 2028 Production Plans

After nearly nine years of anticipation, the next-generation Tesla Roadster is back in the spotlight. On October 15, 2026, Tesla unveiled an updated version of its electric sports car, demonstrating technology that brings the concept of a “flying car” closer to reality. The demonstration showcased the vehicle lifting off the ground, rotating in mid-air, and using an advanced downforce system to achieve levels of grip beyond those of conventional cars.

According to Reuters, the new Tesla Roadster incorporates cold-gas thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX, with Tesla targeting 2028 for the start of production. However, the term “flying car” requires some clarification. It does not mean that every Tesla Roadster will be capable of flying through the sky like an airplane or an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Furthermore, the version capable of performing aerial maneuvers has not yet been approved for use on public roads.

Latest Sources: Reuters – Tesla's New Roadster Turns in Air with SpaceX Thrusters | Tesla Roadster – Official Website

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What’s New in the Next-Generation Tesla Roadster?

The highlight of Tesla’s latest Roadster unveiling goes beyond sheer speed. It introduces technology inspired by the aerospace industry into the world of electric vehicles. Tesla demonstrated the Roadster’s ability to accelerate rapidly, jump over other vehicles, and control its direction while airborne using an advanced thruster system.

According to Tesla, the next-generation Roadster features three main concepts: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. Each offers different technologies and is designed for a specific purpose.

The Rocket version comes closest to the concept of a “flying car.” However, Tesla states that this version is not approved for use on public roads. It is designed as a single-seat vehicle and will be available exclusively by invitation.

How Much Does the Tesla Roadster Cost? Are Reservations Open?

Tesla has not yet announced the official selling price of the 2028 Roadster. However, previous reports suggested a starting price of approximately $200,000 USD, or around 6.7 million THB, based on the estimated exchange rate.

Tesla is currently accepting Roadster reservations in selected countries, with reported reservation deposits as follows:

• Roadster Performance: $50,000 USD (approximately 1.68 million THB)

• Roadster Thrust: $250,000 USD (approximately 8.4 million THB)

• Roadster Rocket: Pricing has not been announced and availability is by invitation only.

It is important to note that these figures represent reservation deposits, not final purchase prices.

In Thailand, Tesla's Roadster website currently only allows customers to register for updates, with direct reservations not yet available.

If the Tesla Roadster officially becomes available in Thailand, its final price could be significantly higher due to import duties, shipping costs, and other applicable taxes and fees.

Image Credit: euronews.com

Can the Tesla Roadster Really Fly?

The short answer is “Yes, to some extent—but not in the way most people imagine a flying car.”

The Tesla Roadster Rocket uses cold-gas thrusters, a propulsion system that releases high-pressure gas to generate thrust in multiple directions. This technology allows the vehicle to lift off the ground, move through the air, and adjust its direction for short periods.

During the demonstration, Tesla also showcased a fan-assisted ground-sealing system designed to create suction beneath the vehicle, generating exceptional downforce and grip. Unlike conventional racing cars, which primarily rely on airflow to produce downforce, this system can generate significant downforce even at low speeds or while stationary.

Therefore, if a flying car means a vehicle capable of flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai like an airplane, the Tesla Roadster does not yet fit that definition.

However, if the term refers to a car that can lift off the ground, perform jumps, and control its movements while airborne, Tesla's latest demonstration suggests that the company has brought this concept to life in prototype form.

Image Credit: innovestx.co.th

How Fast Is the Tesla Roadster?

Speed remains one of the Tesla Roadster's biggest selling points. According to Reuters, Tesla claims that the thruster-equipped version can accelerate from 0–60 mph in under 1 second, with a top speed exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h).

The latest announced driving range is approximately 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge, which differs from the figures Tesla originally revealed when the Roadster concept debuted in 2017.

What makes the new Roadster particularly interesting is not simply whether it will become the fastest electric car in the world. Instead, Tesla aims to overcome the traditional limits of tire traction by using thrusters to generate additional propulsion, potentially delivering acceleration beyond what conventional electric sports cars can achieve.

These performance figures remain manufacturer claims and have not yet been independently verified in production vehicles.

How Is SpaceX Involved in the Tesla Roadster?

One of the key features that sets the Tesla Roadster apart from conventional electric sports cars is its use of technology inspired by SpaceX.

Unlike traditional rocket engines that burn fuel to generate thrust, cold-gas thrusters work by releasing highly pressurized gas or air through specially designed nozzles to produce propulsion. By positioning multiple thrusters around the vehicle, the system can generate force in different directions, similar to the attitude-control systems used in spacecraft.

According to Tesla's website, the Rocket configuration is designed to feature thrusters positioned around the vehicle to assist with forward acceleration, vertical lift, and sideways rotation.

This makes the Tesla Roadster one of the most ambitious examples of how technologies associated with Tesla and SpaceX could be combined to push the boundaries of electric vehicle performance.

Image Credit: carvariety.com

Will the Tesla Roadster Enter Production in 2028?

2028 is currently Tesla's latest production target for the next-generation Roadster, as announced by Elon Musk following the vehicle's unveiling on October 15, 2026. Reuters and several other media outlets have reported that Tesla plans to begin production that year.

However, 2028 should not be considered a guaranteed delivery date. The Tesla Roadster has experienced multiple delays since the second-generation model was first unveiled in 2017. Originally scheduled to enter production in 2020, the vehicle's launch has been postponed several times.

The Associated Press (AP) also reported that although Tesla has reopened Roadster reservations, the company has not confirmed a specific delivery date. Additionally, technologies involving vehicle lift-off or limited flight capabilities still face several regulatory and safety approval challenges.

So, will the Tesla Roadster actually enter production in 2028? The most accurate answer is that Tesla is targeting 2028, but the production schedule remains subject to change.

Why Is the Tesla Roadster Important to the EV Industry?

The Tesla Roadster may not be designed for mass-market sales like the Model 3 or Model Y. Instead, it serves as a halo car, showcasing the brand's most advanced technologies and engineering capabilities.

What makes the Roadster particularly interesting is not just whether owners will actually be able to “fly” the Rocket version, but whether technologies developed for this project could eventually influence future electric vehicles.

These innovations could include active aerodynamics, steer-by-wire technology, advanced downforce systems, and thruster-assisted vehicle control.

Even Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari, has reportedly expressed a positive view of the new Roadster, recognizing its willingness to explore unconventional innovations in the automotive industry.

Meanwhile, industry analysts are closely watching whether Tesla can turn its impressive technology demonstrations into a production-ready vehicle that customers can actually purchase and drive.

Image Credit: thairath.co.th

Conclusion: Can the Tesla Roadster Really Fly?

The next-generation Tesla Roadster brings the concept of a flying car closer to reality, particularly with its Rocket configuration, which features cold-gas thruster technology developed in collaboration with SpaceX. This system is designed to allow the vehicle to lift off the ground and control its movement while airborne for short periods.

However, the Roadster is not a flying car capable of traveling through the sky like an airplane, and the Rocket version has not been approved for use on public roads. Tesla is currently targeting 2028 for production, although it remains uncertain whether the company will meet that timeline.

Whether the Roadster enters production on schedule or faces further delays, one thing is clear: Tesla is pushing the boundaries of what a car can be, going beyond speed, horsepower, and driving range. Its innovations could eventually bring aerospace-inspired technologies into the future of electric vehicles.

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Tesla Roadster

1. Can the Tesla Roadster Really Fly?

According to Tesla's demonstration, the Tesla Roadster Rocket can briefly lift off the ground and maneuver through the air using cold-gas thrusters. However, it cannot fly long distances like an airplane or an eVTOL aircraft. Tesla also states that the Rocket version is not approved for use on public roads.

2. When Will the Tesla Roadster Go on Sale?

Following its unveiling in October 2026, Tesla announced plans to begin Roadster production in 2028. However, the vehicle has experienced several delays in the past, so 2028 should be considered the current production target rather than a guaranteed delivery date.