Tesla Unveils Flying Roadster with SpaceX Thrusters
SCMP · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the redesigned Roadster electric sports car equipped with SpaceX thrusters at the company's Texas test facility on Thursday, demonstrating its ability to briefly lift off the ground and perform aerial maneuvers. The two-seater vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under one second and reaches a top speed of 370 km/h, with Musk describing the development as the collaboration between the world's best car and rocket companies. Production is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Key Points
- The Roadster launched from a steep steel ramp and performed a full barrel roll in mid-air before landing on its wheels during the live-streamed demonstration
- The vehicle features 10 nozzles and ultra high-pressure air tanks that enable brief flight and rapid ground acceleration
- Musk stated the car is not necessarily safety-optimised but will be an actual car that is on the roads and may not be legal in all jurisdictions
- Tesla shares declined approximately 1.7 percent during Thursday trading amid concerns about the company's overall vehicle sales performance
- The Roadster has been expected for at least nine years with multiple postponements, and interested buyers can reserve Performance or Thrust models on Tesla's website
Why It Matters
This launch marks a bold fusion of automotive and aerospace technology that could redefine personal transportation, though regulatory hurdles and questions about mass production feasibility remain significant obstacles . For Hong Kong investors and tech enthusiasts, the Roadster represents both the innovative ambition that has made Tesla a market leader and the execution risks that come with Musk's ambitious timelines .
This launch marks a bold fusion of automotive and aerospace technology that could redefine personal transportation, though regulatory hurdles and questions about mass production feasibility remain significant obstacles . For Hong Kong investors and tech enthusiasts, the Roadster represents both the innovative ambition that has made Tesla a market leader and the execution risks that come with Musk's ambitious timelines .