By Mary Onyia
Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has unveiled a new Roadster sports car equipped with technology that allows it to perform airborne manoeuvres, raising fresh hopes for the long-promised flying car. The vehicle was demonstrated on Thursday at a SpaceX facility in Texas, using thrusters to launch into the air before landing on its wheels.
During the livestreamed event, Musk declared, “Flying cars are real.” He said the vehicle used “ultra high-pressure air tanks” to generate thrust, combining Tesla’s automotive technology with expertise from his rocket company, SpaceX. However, the demonstration did not establish that the car could sustain flight over long distances.
Musk said production was expected to begin in 2028 but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the project, saying its “success is not guaranteed”. Technical challenges, safety requirements, and regulatory approvals remain major hurdles before flying cars can become commercially viable.
The unveiling could mark a new chapter in the global automobile industry, pushing manufacturers to explore the boundaries between road and air transport. If the technology becomes practical and affordable, it could transform personal mobility and urban travel; for now, however, Musk’s flying Roadster remains an ambitious technological promise rather than a proven everyday transport solution.