Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Roadster That Jumps Into Air Using Jets

Tesla boss claims sports car can hit 60mph in under one second, but experts question safety, cost and flying capabilities

By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has unveiled a new Tesla Roadster prototype capable of jumping into the air and performing aerial stunts using high-pressure air jets. The demonstration reportedly took place on Thursday at a SpaceX test facility in Texas, where the vehicle climbed a steep ramp, flipped in the air, landed with the aid of jets and jumped over a line of parked Tesla cars. No driver was inside the vehicle during the demonstration, with Musk explaining that the precaution was taken to prevent injuries if anything went wrong.

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Musk claimed the two-seater Roadster could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second with the assistance of jets mounted at the rear. The system reportedly uses 10 nozzles and high-pressure air tanks to lift the vehicle off the ground. Musk said the technology was developed through collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX and announced plans to begin production in 2028. However, the demonstration did not establish that the vehicle could sustain flight or travel long distances like a conventional aircraft.

The project has raised questions about the safety, cost and practicality of combining a road vehicle with flying capabilities. Roger Connor, a vertical-flight curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, reportedly told CNN that the weight and structural requirements of road vehicles could make sustained flight difficult. He also questioned whether such a vehicle could perform effectively both on roads and in the air.

Other companies, including California-based startup Alef, are also developing flying-car technology, but experts say achieving stable forward flight after vertical take-off remains a major challenge. Musk’s demonstration therefore represents an aerial stunt capability, not proof that the Roadster can function as a conventional aircraft.