Tesla Roadster: 5 Things to Know About Elon Musk’s SpaceX-Propelled Car

The Tesla Roadster was demonstrated in Texas on October 15, 2026, driving upside down on a ramp before righting itself in midair with SpaceX-developed thrusters and jumping over five Tesla vehicles. Tesla engineering vice president Lars Moravy said fans generate up to 2 G of downforce, while ten cold-gas thrusters powered by 600 liters of compressed air enable the aerial maneuvers. The Roadster is planned in Performance, Thrust, and Rocket versions, with the Rocket seating one person; Tesla claims the Thrust can reach 60 mph in less than a second. Elon Musk said large-scale production would begin in 2028, following the car’s 2017 announcement and an original delivery target of 2020.