Elon Musk Unveils Flying Car in Groundbreaking Demo
Elon Musk reveals a flying car during a live demonstration, showcasing Tesla and SpaceX’s collaboration.
2 min read
Elon Musk unveiled a flying car during a live demonstration on Thursday night, resembling a scene from the 1989 film ‘Back to the Future.’ The event took place at SpaceX’s rocket test site in McGregor, Texas, where Musk, the world’s richest man, promised an experience so unbelievable that an audience was needed to confirm it wasn’t generated by artificial intelligence.
Live Demonstration of the Flying Car
Musk explained that the demonstration would be so astonishing that its authenticity required a live audience. He emphasized the collaboration between Tesla, the world’s best car company, and SpaceX, the world’s best rocket company. After a 20-second countdown, the new Tesla Roadster was revealed at the bottom of a curved ramp. The car climbed the ramp upside down, using a fan underneath to hold it against the surface. At the top, it flipped over and used thrusters to return to the ground.
Technical Innovations and Speed
SpaceX contributed 10 thrusters to the car, working in conjunction with the fan under the vehicle to allow it to hover, spin, and flip. Musk noted that while driving upside down wouldn’t be necessary for most drivers, the car’s intense suction system enables it to ‘defy physics’ on the road, especially during sharp turns and stops. The demonstration showcased the Roadster’s speed, reaching zero to 60 mph in less than one second. Tesla claims the car can reach speeds above 230 mph, with Musk aiming for half the speed of sound, around 380 mph.
Human-Driven Design and Production Timeline
Musk emphasized that the Roadster will be driven by a human, not Tesla’s self-driving software, calling it ‘the last best driver’s car.’ He also mentioned that production of the second-generation Roadster, originally promised in 2017, will begin in 2028, a promise he said would finally come to fruition after several delays.
Price and Availability
Despite audience inquiries about the car’s price, Musk and other executives did not disclose the cost. However, Tesla’s reservation page offers a ‘performance’ version requiring a $50,000 deposit and a ‘Thrust’ version requiring a $250,000 deposit. The ‘rocket’ version is listed as ‘invite only.’
Source: Daily Wire
