Tesla's flying Roadster dazzles, but key details are missing (opens the source in a new tab)
- At a SpaceX test site in Texas, Tesla showed a Roadster that can lift off, using cold-gas thrusters said to be derived from SpaceX technology. Its price, and where it could legally fly, were not announced.
- The flight-capable version is invite-only and not approved for public roads; a two-seat version is described as road-ready. Tesla promises record-setting acceleration.
- Elon Musk says production starts in 2028, after a 2020 target slipped. Some buyers who paid deposits of up to $250,000 are still waiting; analysts see a brand halo more than a revenue driver.
- 2028
- promised production start
- $250k
- deposits some buyers paid
Why it matters This is marketing as much as engineering: a halo car keeps Tesla exciting as it leans into autonomy and robots. Judge it by delivery dates, not demos.
Watch next Whether a production car ships in 2028. Even at tiny volumes, a halo product can lift a brand and pull buyers into cheaper models.