Tesla Unveils Long-Delayed Roadster With SpaceX Thrusters Set for 2028 Production
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Tesla has officially revealed its long-awaited Roadster, which features SpaceX-developed thrusters that allow it to leap over other Tesla models during demonstrations. Despite the excitement, the vehicle won't enter production until 2028, and the promised range has been cut by more than half, raising questions about its regulatory status.
The Roadster's innovative design includes capabilities that allow it to perform aerial maneuvers, but it remains unclear who would regulate these flying features. Tesla is currently accepting $250,000 deposits for the vehicle, which is not approved for public roads and is invite-only.
Sources
Every quote below is verbatim from the article it is attributed to.
“Elon Musk first debuted the Roadster refresh concept in 2017 but Tesla has since missed every targeted delivery date.”
CNBC — Tesla unveils long-delayed Roadster developed with SpaceX, fueling merger speculation“The redesigned sports car flipped midair and leaped over a Cybertruck using SpaceX-developed thrusters.”
Fortune — Tesla is taking $250,000 deposits for a Roadster with SpaceX thrusters. The FAA says it isn’t an aircraft“The new car used thrusters to leap over a Cybercab, Cybertruck, Tesla Semi, Model Y, and Model 3 at a demo in Texas.”
TechCrunch — Tesla reveals SpaceX-powered Roadster that flies and falls with style“Tesla's new Roadster flips through the air, jumps a row of Teslas and lands on SpaceX thrusters.”
decrypt — Tesla Roadster Rocket Is the Cool 'Flying' Car You Can’t Have
“Tesla turns to 50-year-old stunt technology as it tries to Roadster again”
Ars Technica — Tesla turns to 50-year-old stunt technology as it tries to Roadster again“Elon Musk’s company and other automakers, like Jaguar and Bentley, are trying to sell very expensive electric cars to people who usually prefer gasoline-fueled luxury and performance.”
ny times tech — Tesla Debuts 2026 Roadster ‘Flying’ Electric Sports Car“Tesla has finally unveiled the next-generation Roadster.”
engadget — Tesla's redesigned Roadster has a cold-gas thruster option, but you'll need $250,000 just to reserve it“It turns out the Roadster 2 both sucks and blows.”
Wired — Here’s Exactly How Tesla Made Its New 230-Mph Car ‘Fly’
Earlier versions
- Oct 16, 11:57 AM — Tesla Unveils Next-Gen Roadster That Flies After Nearly A Decade Of Delays (5/5)
- Oct 16, 12:19 PM — Tesla Unveils Long-Delayed Roadster With Flying Capabilities (9/8)
- Oct 16, 4:16 PM — Tesla Unveils Roadster With Flying Capabilities at SpaceX Facility (4/4)
- Oct 16, 4:16 PM — Tesla Unveils Roadster With SpaceX Thrusters After Years of Delays (3/3)
- Oct 16, 8:16 PM — Tesla Unveils Long-Delayed Roadster Featuring SpaceX Technology (2/2)