Tesla has unveiled its long-awaited next-generation Roadster, an electric sports car featuring rocket-style thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX. Revealed at a demonstration event in Texas on October 15, 2026, the redesigned vehicle showcased futuristic capabilities, including brief airborne manoeuvres and mid-air rotations. Tesla says production is expected to begin in 2028, although the car’s advanced features and regulatory requirements could affect when customers can take delivery.
SpaceX Technology Brings an Unusual Twist
The new Roadster combines Tesla’s electric vehicle engineering with propulsion technology developed alongside SpaceX. During the demonstration, the vehicle used high-pressure gas thrusters to lift into the air and rotate before landing.
The car also demonstrated a suction-based system that allowed it to travel upside down along a specially designed ramp. These features distinguish the Roadster from conventional electric sports cars, although the airborne demonstrations do not mean the vehicle is approved to fly on public roads.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk described the vehicle as an example of what collaboration between automotive and aerospace engineers could achieve.
Impressive Acceleration and Performance Targets
Tesla executives said the Roadster is designed to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second and reach a top speed exceeding 230 mph (370 km/h). The company has also cited a driving range of more than 300 miles (480 km) on a single charge.
These figures position the Roadster as a high-performance electric sports car aimed at buyers seeking exceptional speed and advanced technology. However, the specifications remain subject to confirmation as the vehicle moves towards production.
Production Expected in 2028
The Roadster has faced years of delays since Tesla first introduced the next-generation model in 2017, when deliveries were initially expected in 2020. The latest unveiling provides a clearer look at the redesigned vehicle, but customers will still have to wait before production begins.
Tesla has opened reservations for different versions, including Performance and Thrust variants. The company has listed deposits of $50,000 for the Performance version and $250,000 for the Thrust version. A more exclusive Rocket variant is described as invitation-only.
Final pricing and a guaranteed customer delivery schedule have not been confirmed.
Tesla Expands Its Vision Beyond Conventional EVs
The Roadster arrives as Tesla increasingly focuses on autonomous driving, robotaxis, artificial intelligence and robotics alongside electric vehicle manufacturing.
Although the Roadster is unlikely to become a high-volume model, it could serve as a showcase for Tesla’s engineering capabilities and strengthen the company’s premium brand image. Its commercial success will depend on the final specifications, pricing, production readiness and regulatory approval of its most unusual features.
For now, the new Roadster represents an ambitious step in Tesla’s performance-car strategy. Whether its futuristic technology can translate into a production vehicle that customers can use as demonstrated remains to be seen.
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