Tesla Unveils Flying Roadster, But Production Delayed to 2028
Tesla’s new Roadster can jump and fly, but won’t be available for consumers until 2028.
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Tesla has unveiled its latest Roadster sports car, which features an innovative ability to thrust itself into the air. However, drivers should not expect to take the vehicle for a spin anytime soon.
Thrusters and Flights
Elon Musk’s electric car company debuted the second-generation Roadster at an event hosted at SpaceX’s Texas rocket testing facility. The car is equipped with cold gas thrusters and a “multi-mode” suction system, allowing it to leap into the air and perform mid-flight maneuvers.
Musk, Tesla’s CEO, shared on his social media platform X that the future does have flying cars. The event highlighted the use of SpaceX technology, which Tesla executives noted they “borrowed” to achieve the car’s aerial capabilities. The Roadster can also accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in under a second.
Production and Pricing
Despite the excitement surrounding the launch, Tesla revealed that production for consumers won’t begin until 2028. The company has not yet set a price for the vehicle, and it remains unclear how this new feature will impact its market position.
The Roadster’s “rocket” feature is not approved for public road use, highlighting the regulatory challenges facing flying vehicles. Musk emphasized that the car is designed for human drivers, calling it the “best of the last human-driven cars.”
Autonomous Future
Musk has consistently stated that the future of driving will be autonomous. While Tesla has focused on self-driving features and its robotaxi business, the Roadster will be manually driven. Musk acknowledged that the car is not safety-optimized but noted that it “takes the fun meter to 11 out of 10.”
Historical Context
Tesla’s first Roadster was launched in 2008, and in 2018, Musk placed a mannequin named “Starman” in the driver’s seat and launched the vehicle into space. The second-generation model is a significant evolution but is not immediately available to the public.
Tesla’s recent financial performance shows a shift toward research and development for its robotaxi and robotics businesses, which has impacted its profits. Despite these challenges, the unveiling of the Roadster continues to generate buzz and excitement for the future of electric vehicles.
Source: OANN
