Tesla Roadster Demo Flies and Lands, Production Eyed for 2028

On the morning of October 16, Tesla released a video showing a redesigned second-generation Roadster demo car driving upside down, then rising into the air, adjusting its attitude and landing. Reuters' on-site report describes the process. The prototype of this car was first shown in 2017, and deliveries have been postponed several times since. This footage is a step toward bringing the vehicle back into public view.

The two systems have clearly defined roles. The fans under the floor pull air out, creating suction that presses the body downward, which is why the car can drive upside down. The cold-gas thrusters control thrust through electric actuators and handle lift-off and stabilization in the air. The three versions each have their own role. Performance is a two-seat road-going version that uses active aerodynamics and multi-mode suction to increase downforce. Thrust is a limited-edition two-seater that adds rear cold-gas thrusters on top of the suction system, and the company claims it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under one second. Rocket is a single-seat car with thrusters arranged around the body, supporting forward and upward acceleration as well as sideways rotation.

Apart from the demonstration, there are three facts that ordinary buyers can confirm today. First, Musk says production of the new car is planned to begin in 2028. Second, the Performance version's reservation deposit is 332,000 yuan, and the page says it is fully refundable, but the car's launch in each region must comply with the laws and regulations in force at the time. Third, the Rocket version is available by invitation only, and the official site clearly states that it has no public road approval and is not sold in every region. On the same day, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and three other departments also required automakers to honestly disclose the usage limits and conditions of their products, and not to make exaggerated or misleading promotional claims.

It is important to separate the nature of the performance figures, which differ. The top speed of over 230 miles (370 km) and the range of over 300 miles (482 km) are both reported “according to sources.” The claim of 0 to 60 miles per hour in under one second is an official company claim. NIO founder Li Bin reposted the on-site video on Weibo and expressed approval, and OpenAI's Sam Altman also praised it on X, but these are applause, not test results.

So what this demo shows is a new combination: suction keeps the body pressed to the road, and thrusters handle attitude in flight. The real test lies around the planned 2028 production start. Turning a demonstration into a car that can be delivered on schedule and driven legally on public roads still has a long way to go.