Photo credit: X/carwow
Tesla’s redesigned Roadster has made a dramatic impression with an aerial stunt in Texas. However, questions remain about its price, production timeline and whether its thruster-equipped version can legally operate on public roads.
Unveiled on Oct. 15, the next-generation electric sports car used compressed-gas thrusters developed with SpaceX to launch off a ramp, flip in midair and land on its wheels. Tesla also demonstrated the vehicle jumping over a lineup of cars and claimed a 0-to-60 mph time of 0.81 seconds.
Despite the spectacle, Tesla expects production to begin in 2028, leaving prospective buyers waiting for a confirmed delivery date.
What can the new Tesla Roadster do?
Tesla presented three versions: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The Performance model is designed for road use, while the Thrust version adds equipment intended to improve acceleration. The invite-only Rocket is a single-seat model featuring a more extensive thruster system.
Tesla advertises more than 300 miles of range and a top speed of up to 230 mph. However, the demonstration does not establish that every advertised feature will appear in the production model. The aerial maneuver also does not prove the car can sustain flight like an aircraft.
How much will the Tesla Roadster cost?
Tesla has not announced a final price for the redesigned Roadster. Reported reservation terms require a $5,000 initial payment, followed by another $45,000 within 10 days, bringing the total to $50,000. The Thrust version reportedly requires a $250,000 reservation payment.
Tesla previously announced a $200,000 base price in 2017, but that figure should not be treated as the confirmed price for the new model.
Real life, baby https://t.co/3QEqn18wig
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026
Is the flying Roadster street legal?
The Rocket version’s thruster system raises questions about road and aviation regulations. Reports indicate that this version is not approved for public-road use. Tesla has not publicly established that the demonstration configuration has the necessary approvals for ordinary road or aircraft operation.
Why has the Roadster taken so long?
Tesla first unveiled the next-generation Roadster in November 2017 and initially targeted deliveries for 2020. Elon Musk later promoted a SpaceX-related package featuring small thrusters. The timeline has slipped repeatedly, with production now expected in 2028.
REVEALED: All-New Tesla Roadster!
Tesla has officially unveiled the long-awaited production Tesla Roadster with jaw-dropping specs!
🚀 Sub-1.0-second 0–60 mph sprint! 🤯
💨 Top speed exceeding 230 mph with tri-motor all-wheel-drive performance!
✈️ Exclusive, invite-only “Rocket” variant capable of FLYING!
🖥️ Futuristic minimalist cabin!
💰 Reservations open now with production set to begin next year!Sub-1.0 second 0–60 mph, is this the most insane performance car ever built? 🤯
— carwow (@carwowuk) October 16, 2026
What does the reveal mean for Tesla stock?
Tesla shares initially rose following the reveal before giving back some gains. The early reaction shows investor interest, but it does not establish the Roadster’s future commercial impact.
Tesla’s earnings report, scheduled for Oct. 21 according to the supplied report, will provide a broader view of the company’s financial performance.
For buyers, the key questions remain unanswered: the final price, production specifications and delivery schedule. The Roadster has delivered a striking demonstration, but turning that spectacle into a production vehicle is the next challenge.
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