The New TESLA Roadster finally made its public debut on October 15, 2026, and it was nothing like a normal car launch. Near Waco, Texas, Elon Musk showed a Roadster that used fans and cold gas thrusters to climb a ramp, flip in the air, and land again. Here is a clear look at the versions, performance claims, features, and what Tesla has still not confirmed.
TESLA Roadster Specs, Versions and Performance
Three Versions, Three Different Jobs
Tesla is offering the Roadster in three versions. The Performance version is listed as road ready, seats two, and uses active aerodynamics with a multi-mode suction system. Tesla claims 0-60 mph in under 1.6 seconds for it. The Thrust version is called race ready. It also seats two, but adds rear-mounted cold gas thrusters, and Tesla lists 0-60 mph in under 0.9 seconds. The Rocket version is described as air ready, seats only one person, and uses thrusters around the car for forward and upward push plus sideways rotation. Its claimed 0-60 mph time is under 0.59 seconds. Musk also mentioned a top speed above 230 mph, and Tesla quotes a range of over 300 miles. Tesla’s posts after the event also showed a 0.81-second 0-60 mph run, which is a demo figure and not a rating for any version. This is why many people are calling it the first TESLA flying car roadster, even though Tesla has not said the flying part will ever be allowed on public roads.
Aero, Thrusters and Cabin Details
The Roadster does its tricks with a fan system and thrusters working together. A multi-mode fan and ground sealing setup pulls air from under the car, and Tesla says it creates enough suction to hold the car upside down even when parked. Tesla also claims the thrusters produce four to five times the force that tires can manage, which explains the extreme acceleration numbers. Small all-electric actuators make fine adjustments to keep the car stable in the air. On the driving side, there are active wings, a Track Mode that lowers the car, and a yoke with steer-by-wire, meaning no mechanical link to the wheels. To save weight, Tesla used magnesium, titanium and carbon fiber, along with manual controls and a fixed seat position. This TESLA new car roadster also looks very different from older concepts, with hidden headlights, a full-length taillight, and Ano White paint inspired by aerospace coatings. The glass has a gold tint modeled on spacesuit visors. Inside, you get an Ultrawhite cabin with gray microsuede, one central touchscreen and two smaller screens in front of the driver.
Quick Facts
- Unveiled: October 15, 2026, near Waco, Texas
- Price: not announced
- Production target: 2028, according to Musk
- Availability: Performance by reservation, Thrust as a limited release, Rocket by invitation only (not in all regions)
- Road approval: not yet approved for public road use
- New TESLA Roadster Price, Release Date and Open Questions
What Tesla Has Not Told Us Yet
For anyone following this Elon Musk Tesla new car story, the biggest gap is the price, because Tesla has not announced one for any version. Reservations have reopened with a $50,000 deposit, but that is not the cost of the car. The only price people can compare with is the old 2017 plan, which listed a $200,000 base price and a $250,000 Founders Series, and those numbers should not be treated as current. On timing, Musk named 2028 for production, and Tesla plans to build the car in Texas. The promises have also changed a lot since the first unveiling. In 2017, Tesla talked about 1.9 seconds to 60 mph, a top speed above 250 mph, 620 miles of range and four seats. The new claims show faster acceleration, but range is now over 300 miles, and the Rocket version seats just one. Tesla notes the car is not approved for public roads, so the flying stunts are a demo for now. Musk has called it a halo product and warned that buyers who put safety first should skip it. Treat every number as a company claim until independent testing arrives.
FAQs
Can the new Tesla Roadster really fly?
Sort of. In the demo, it used fans and thrusters to flip and land. Tesla says the Rocket version can fly, but the car is not approved for public roads yet.
What is the Tesla Roadster price?
There is no official price yet. You can reserve one with a $50,000 deposit, but the final cost has not been shared.
When will the Tesla Roadster be available?
Elon Musk pointed to 2028 for production, so it is still a while away.
How fast is the new Tesla Roadster?
Tesla claims 0-60 mph in under 1.6 seconds for Performance, under 0.9 for Thrust, and under 0.59 for Rocket. These are claims, not independent test results.