TEXAS: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has unveiled the company’s new Roadster sports car, claiming it can fly using an air-jet system. However, its actual performance and ability to fly remain uncertain.
The two-seat vehicle was showcased at a Tesla event in Texas. According to Musk, the Roadster can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than a second. It can also navigate extremely steep roads and descend while inverted using air jets.
The demonstration was conducted without a driver inside the vehicle. Musk said no driver was seated in the car to prevent anyone from being killed in the event of an accident during testing. “There’s no guarantee of success. I mean, it might do what we’re claiming, but even if it doesn’t, we’re at a safe distance,” Musk said.
In another demonstration, the Roadster appeared to fly over other Tesla vehicles using the same air-jet system.
The car uses 10 nozzles connected to what Musk described as ultra-high-pressure air tanks, designed to help the vehicle hover or accelerate.
Musk described the project as the result of collaboration between the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company. Tesla plans to begin production of the Roadster in 2028, Musk said. If the company meets that target, the vehicle could bring its ambitious flying-car concept closer to reality, although its capabilities will need to be demonstrated in practice.
Unlike conventional rocket-powered vehicles, the Roadster uses highly pressurised air released through a series of thrusters. The system includes 10 nozzles that help the car perform specialised manoeuvres, including lifting off the ground and changing its orientation while airborne.
Tesla vice-president of vehicle engineering Lars Moravy said the car contains two high-pressure air tanks with a combined capacity of 600 litres. The tanks reportedly hold around 250 kilograms of air, which is released through the thrusters to generate the required force. The system can also replenish its air supply without requiring specialised rocket fuel.
According to Tesla, four rear thrusters can produce more than 80 kilonewtons of thrust. The vehicle also has separate attitude-control thrusters that help manage its position during airborne movements. During the presentation, the car performed a demonstration involving a flip over a Tesla Semi truck and other vehicles.
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