Tesla Unveils Next-Gen Roadster with SpaceX Thrusters: It Flies, Flips, and Hits 0-60 in 0.81 Seconds

On October 15, 2026, Tesla held a highly anticipated reveal event at SpaceX’s McGregor, Texas testing facility, showcasing a redesigned second-generation Roadster equipped with cold-gas thrusters developed in collaboration with SpaceX. The demonstration featured the prototype driving upside down on a ramp using a multi-mode suction system, performing mid-air flips and barrel rolls, and briefly flying over a lineup of Tesla vehicles including the Cybertruck, Semi, and Cybercab before landing. It also achieved a claimed 0-60 mph time of 0.81 seconds with thruster assistance.[1][2]

The vehicle is offered in three configurations: Performance (road-ready, two seats, active aerodynamics and suction system), Thrust (race-ready with rear thrusters for sub-1-second acceleration), and Rocket (single-seat, perimeter thrusters for greater aerial maneuvers, invite-only and not for public roads). All variants claim over 300 miles of range and top speeds exceeding 230 mph, powered by compressed air stored in carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels. Production is now targeted for 2028, marking another delay from the original 2017 prototype unveiling and subsequent promises.[3][4]

The event drew significant attention, including Polymarket contracts on whether the car would achieve sustained flight. Pre-orders reopened with $50,000 deposits for base models. Broader context includes ongoing speculation about deeper Tesla-SpaceX integration, though no merger has been confirmed. The thruster technology enables short, low-altitude stunts rather than sustained flight, representing a novel integration of rocket engineering into an electric vehicle platform.[5]