The Tesla Roadster flew, drove upside down, and hit 60mph in under a second

Key Points:

• Tesla unveiled a next-generation Roadster prototype in Waco, Texas, showcasing its ability to drive upside down, briefly fly using cold-gas thrusters, and accelerate to 60 mph in under a second.
• The Roadster uses a fan-based suction system and attitude-control thrusters supplied by SpaceX, enabling rocket-like maneuvers, though Tesla acknowledged the car is not optimized for safety and production is targeted for 2028.
• Despite impressive performance claims, including a 0-60 mph time of 0.81 seconds, regulatory hurdles and practical considerations make it unlikely this flying car version will be widely available to consumers.
• The Roadster's development has faced significant delays since its 2017 announcement, with Tesla prioritizing other vehicles, and Musk framing the car as more of an experimental collaboration with SpaceX than a major commercial product.
• While competitors have advanced electric hypercar performance in recent years, Tesla’s Roadster remains unique for its flying capabilities, though it risks playing catch-up in traditional EV performance metrics.