Tesla demonstrates flying Roadster prototype at Texas facility

Tesla showed off a flying version of its Roadster car on October 15, 2026, at a SpaceX site in Texas. The car drove up a ramp, flipped in the air, and landed using compressed air thrusters. Tesla calls this version the Rocket model. It has one seat, is not road legal, and is available by invitation only. The company says it can reach 60 mph in 0.81 seconds. Tesla is asking for $50,000 deposits to reserve a Roadster, but has not confirmed the final price or a delivery date. Production is planned to start in 2028. The Roadster was first announced in 2017 and has been delayed many times since then. Prediction markets now put the chance of delivery before 2028 at just 10 percent.