McGREGOR, Texas (KWTX) – Some 1950s visionaries predicted flying cars would hit the roads by the year 2000. In 2026, that vision is becoming a reality.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk pulled back the curtain on the next-generation Roadster tonight at the SpaceX facility in McGregor, showcasing a vehicle he called a “rocket car”.
The high-performance sports vehicle bridges peak automotive innovation with aerospace technology.
Combining SpaceX cold-gas thrusters with an air-compression system and suction fans, the Roadster is designed to take flight and even perform aerial flips.
According to Musk, the aerodynamic vehicle can stick upside down, accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than a second, and reach a top speed of 230 mph. Musk said the company’s ultimate goal is to push the vehicle’s top speed to 383 mph — half the speed of sound.
“You know, I’m not sure it’s necessarily legal in all jurisdictions, but like, there will be such a car that someone can own,” Musk said during the event. “It’s gonna be pretty wild. They can have a rocket car.”
Musk noted that the two-seater will be the only manually driven car Tesla ever makes. It features two distinct driving modes: a low-drag setting designed for track racing and a high-suction and air-compression setting built for hovering.
Production for the new Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028.
According to Tesla’s website, three distinct versions of the vehicle are available. The Performance edition is currently available for reservation with a $50,000 down payment. According to the website, this version is “road-ready with seating for two” and “includes active aero and a multi-mode suction system.”
The next tier, Thrust, is “race-ready with seating for two” and includes the Performance version’s perks plus acceleration thrusters.
The Rocket variant is designated as an exclusive, invite-only offering. It includes the full flight system.
Reservations and more information can be found on Tesla’s website.
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