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Tesla unveils Roadster with thrusters in Texas demonstration

Tesla unveils a new Roadster electric sports car equipped with thrusters in Texas, demonstrating mid-air hovering, while BBC tech editor Zoe Kleinman outlines road hurdles.

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Inewgen
17 Oct 2026Source: BBC Business2 min read (0 views)
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Tesla unveils Roadster with thrusters in Texas demonstration

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

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  • Tesla unveiled a new version of its Roadster electric sports car equipped with thrusters in Texas.
  • The vehicle demonstrated driving up a steep ramp, hovering, and landing using air jets.
  • Elon Musk stated an audience was necessary to prove the car demonstration was not AI.
  • BBC technology editor Zoe Kleinman explains why flying cars are unlikely on roads soon.

The boundaries of automotive design were pushed further as a prominent electric vehicle manufacturer showcased a futuristic vehicle prototype in the state of Texas. This newly revealed iteration of the Tesla Roadster sports car features integrated thrusters specifically engineered to enable the vehicle to hover and rotate while airborne.

During the live demonstration in Texas, Elon Musk presented the vehicle to a gathered crowd. The Roadster was driven up a steep ramp, launched into the air, spun around, and successfully utilized air jets to control its descent and landing. Musk emphasized that having a live audience present was crucial to prove that the demonstration was genuine and that the car was not generated by artificial intelligence.

While integrating jet thrusters into an electric sports car creates a compelling spectacle, aerospace and automotive experts note that transitioning such technology from a controlled demonstration to everyday public roads involves overcoming massive regulatory, safety, and energy efficiency hurdles that will likely take years to resolve.

modern electric vehicle design automotive

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Despite the excitement generated by the aerial display, widespread commercial adoption remains a distant prospect. As BBC technology editor Zoe Kleinman details, there are several fundamental reasons why consumers are unlikely to see a functional flying car navigating regular roads anytime in the near future.

Source: BBC Business

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