Tesla has finally unveiled its long-awaited next-generation Roadster, and it is unlike anything the company has built before. Revealed at SpaceX’s McGregor facility in Texas, the electric sports car features rocket-inspired thrusters, extreme acceleration, and, in its most advanced configuration, the ability to actually fly.
The unveiling included something we never thought we’d say about a car – two flight demonstrations.
Following the event, Tesla confirmed three Roadster configurations will be available, with acceleration times as quick as 0-60 mph in under 0.59 seconds and production scheduled to begin in 2028 – for real this time according to CEO Elon Musk.
Three versions, including one that flies
The next-generation Roadster will come in three variants – if you can afford it.
The “base” entry-level Performance version seats two and uses active aerodynamics and a suction system to generate additional downforce. Tesla claims it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 1.6 seconds.
The Thrust configuration adds rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, reducing that time to under 0.9 seconds.
At the top of the lineup is the single-seat Rocket, featuring additional thrusters capable of lifting the vehicle off the ground and controlling its movement in flight. Tesla claims a 0-60 mph time under 0.59 seconds and a top speed exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h), while all versions are rated for more than 300 miles (480 km) of range.
HOLY SHIT! That was not real….but it was….🤯 Roadster really can fly! https://t.co/Su4VzF5XXR
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 (@DriveTeslaca) October 16, 2026
After the car lifted off during the demonstration, Musk declared, “Flying cars are real.” He also teased an even bigger stunt to come, an attempt at Evel Knievel’s famous Snake River Canyon jump.
The technology relies on compressed air stored in carbon fibre pressure vessels, rather than conventional rocket fuel.
If that wasn’t enough, the @Tesla Roadster just did a ‘kickflip’ over the entire Tesla lineup, including the Semi! https://t.co/xUUsDVBNao
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 (@DriveTeslaca) October 16, 2026
How much will the Roadster cost?
Canadian reservation payments are now listed at $70,000 for Performance and $350,000 for Thrust. Interested buyers in the U.S. will have to put down US$50,000 and US$250,000 for those configurations respectively. These are reservation amounts, and not the final price, which is still to be announced.
The Rocket is invitation-only with no deposit amount listed and is not approved for public road use.
Nearly a decade in the making
Tesla originally unveiled the second-generation Roadster in 2017, promising a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds and a 620-mile range. However, the project experienced repeated delays as Tesla focused on higher-volume vehicles, including the Model Y and Cybertruck.
The new Roadster takes a dramatically different approach, combining traditional electric performance with technology developed alongside SpaceX.
Related Articles:
- Tesla Roadster may have been spotted testing cold gas thrusters back in April
- Tesla Roadster reservations reopen in Canada and the U.S.
- Tesla confirms next-generation Roadster will be built at Giga Texas
- Tesla Roadster patent reveals smart active rear wing
Always get the latest - make Drive Tesla your preferred source on Google
Are you buying a Tesla? If you enjoy our content and we helped in your decision, use our referral link to get three months of Full Self-Driving (FSD).Drive Tesla uses affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support.
