Tesla has showcased its long-awaited next-generation Roadster in Texas, drawing attention with a demonstration that featured the electric sports car launching into the air using technology developed with SpaceX.
The unveiling took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas. During the presentation, the vehicle accelerated up a curved ramp, performed a midair manoeuvre and landed safely, according to Fox Business.
The demonstration featured integrated cold-gas thrusters designed to propel the car into the air. The technology is part of a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, both led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Tesla also highlighted the Roadster’s claimed acceleration, with the vehicle said to be capable of going from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second. The performance figure and the flying demonstration have yet to establish how the technology would function in ordinary road conditions.
Musk first introduced plans for a next-generation Roadster in 2017, with deliveries originally expected in 2020. The project has faced years of delays, making the latest unveiling a significant moment for the electric vehicle maker.
The Roadster is positioned as a high-performance showcase for Tesla’s engineering capabilities rather than a mass-market vehicle. Its eventual commercial success will depend on factors including pricing, production timelines and whether its headline-grabbing features can be delivered in a practical consumer model.
