Tesla Reveals How New Roadster Can Fly Using SpaceX Rocket Technology

Tesla has officially unveiled its next-generation Roadster, confirming the electric sports car will use technology borrowed from SpaceX to deliver acceleration unlike anything currently on the road. In its most extreme configuration, the Roadster will even be capable of flight.

During an unveiling event on Thursday, Tesla revealed three versions of the Roadster, including a Rocket variant capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in less than 0.59 seconds. CEO Elon Musk also confirmed that production is scheduled to begin in 2028.

The Roadster was first unveiled in 2017, with Musk promising a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds and a range of 620 miles. Since then, the project has experienced numerous delays, while Musk continued teasing a SpaceX package that would take its performance well beyond conventional sports cars. Now we know exactly what that package involves.

HOLY SHIT! That was not real….but it was….🤯 Roadster really can fly! https://t.co/Su4VzF5XXR
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 (@DriveTeslaca) October 16, 2026

Tesla says the Roadster uses carbon-fibre overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) to store compressed air, which is released through cold-gas thrusters. The system includes two tanks with a combined 600-litre capacity, approximately 250 kilograms of air, and 10 nozzles.

Unlike traditional rockets, the system doesn’t require specialized propellant. The car can recharge its own air tanks, allowing the Roadster to perform repeated manoeuvres.

Tesla says the thrusters can generate four to five times the force available through conventional tire grip. The Rocket variant uses perimeter-mounted thrusters for acceleration, lift, and aerial manoeuvres, while electric actuators make rapid adjustments to stabilize the vehicle in flight.

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

The lineup will include a two-seat Performance version, a two-seat Thrust variant with rear-mounted thrusters that Tesla says can reach 60 mph in under 0.9 seconds, and a single-seat Rocket model. Tesla is targeting more than 300 miles of range, with a top speed exceeding 230 mph for the Rocket.

Despite the extraordinary claims, Musk acknowledged the potential risks during the livestream, saying, “I should say that this is not necessarily a safety-optimized car.”

With production still two years away, questions remain about pricing, regulatory approval, and how much of the Roadster’s promised performance will translate into customer vehicles.

Before it went flying, the @Tesla Roadster was stuck upside down with over 4,700kg of downforce! https://t.co/Qdy9YmO23C
— Drive Tesla 🇨🇦 (@DriveTeslaca) October 16, 2026

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.