Tesla has unveiled a prototype of its new Roadster sports car that can briefly rise into the air using rocket technology, with production targeted for 2028.
According to CNN, the demonstration was held on Thursday at a SpaceX testing facility in Texas, United States, where the two-seater vehicle performed a series of manoeuvres, including driving upside down before making a short airborne movement.
The prototype was operated without a driver during the test, with Musk saying the decision was taken “to make sure we don’t kill anyone.”
“Success is not guaranteed. I mean that. It’ll probably work, but if it doesn’t work, we’re at a safe distance,” he said.
CNN reported that the vehicle uses 10 nozzles and high-pressure air tanks to generate thrust, with Musk claiming it could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than a second.
The Tesla boss attributed the development to cooperation between the electric vehicle manufacturer and SpaceX, the rocket company he also leads.
“Flying cars are real,” Musk said during the event.
Musk said the car was equipped with “ultra high-pressure air tanks” to propel itself into the air.
The tech billionaire described the development as “what happens when you have a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company,” referring to Tesla and SpaceX.
The vehicle would go into production in 2028, he said.
American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss debuted the first flying car prototype in 1917.
But successful designs have become more seriously contemplated only in recent years as electric motors and high-performance batteries have advanced.
