Tesla spectacularly debuted its gravity-defying Roadster on Thursday (Oct. 15) at a SpaceX facility in Texas during a livestream event.
After driving up a vertical ramp and flying through the air before landing safely, Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed, “Flying cars are real.”
In the demonstration, the Roadster later flew over a fleet of vehicles.
For context: Musk told the crowd they were there to witness a collaboration of the world’s best rocket and car company, with engineers from Tesla and SpaceX working together to develop the vehicle.
Musk added that, long term, the Roadster will be the only “manually-driven car” Tesla will make.
He also said it will enter production in 2028.
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Other details: The two-seat Roadster will have three trim levels.
The Performance features active aerodynamics and a multi-mode suction system to maximize downforce for speed.
The limited-release Thrust adds rear cold-gas thrusters to propel the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in under 1 second.
The Rocket, not approved for public road use and will be available by invitation only, positions the cold-gas thrusters around the perimeter to allow “forward and upward acceleration as well as lateral rotational movement,” according to Tesla.
What we’re watching now: Reservations for the Performance and Thrust models can be made o Tesla website with a fully refundable $5,000 deposit and an additional $45,000 due within 10 days.
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