The Tesla flying Roadster finally made its public appearance on 15 October 2026, after almost nine years of delays. If you only want the short answer: Tesla showed a driverless prototype that used fans and SpaceX-style cold-gas thrusters to hop over a row of cars, climb a ramp and land. It did not show a car that can fly from Dhaka to Thakurgaon. Deliveries are promised for 2028, and almost every performance figure so far comes from Tesla itself.
This article sets out what was actually shown, what Tesla and Elon Musk claimed, what independent reporters questioned, and what to watch next.
What Tesla Showed at the Roadster Event
The event took place near SpaceX's rocket test site in McGregor, outside Waco, Texas. It had been planned for 1 October but was moved because of weather, according to Electrek. Reporting from TechCrunch, CNN and CNBC describes the main moments:
- The second-generation Roadster used high-powered fans and thrusters to drive up an inverted ramp, rotate and set down on the road.
- It lifted briefly over a line of Tesla vehicles, including a Cybertruck, Semi, Model Y and Model 3, while moving.
- Musk said there was no driver on board during the stunt. Electrek reported the demo car was remotely operated and not street-legal.
- Tesla's on-screen timer showed 0–60 mph in about one second.
Tesla's vice president of engineering, Lars Moravy, said the system uses 10 thrusters fed by about 600 litres of compressed air that can be refilled, TechCrunch reported.
The Tesla Flying Roadster: Claimed Specs and Trims
Tesla described three versions. All numbers below are Tesla's claims and have not been independently tested.
| Trim | Seats | Key feature (Tesla's claim) | Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | Active aerodynamics and a suction system for grip | US$50,000 |
| Thrust | 2 | Rear cold-gas thrusters, 0–60 mph under one second | US$250,000 |
| Rocket | 1 | 10 cold-gas thrusters, invitation only | Not stated |
Tesla also claimed a range of about 300 miles (roughly 480 km) and a top speed above 230 mph for all trims. No base price was announced. Musk said deliveries would begin in 2028.
Is it really a flying car?
Not in the usual sense. What was shown were short, controlled hops and a hover-style landing, not sustained flight. CNN described Tesla's flying claims as unproven. Earlier reports from The Information and Electrek, before the event, said the original idea of real flight had been scaled back to brief lift-offs using compressed gas. The demonstration matched that smaller goal.
What Is Still Unproven
- Daily use: whether thrusters can work safely and repeatedly on public roads, and how often the air tanks need refilling.
- Safety and legality: no regulator has approved a road car that hops over traffic. Musk said safety was not the main goal, according to TechCrunch.
- Performance figures: 0–60 time, top speed and range are all Tesla numbers.
- Timeline: the Roadster was first shown in 2017 with deliveries promised for 2020. CNBC noted Tesla has missed every Roadster delivery target since then.
- Price: only reservation amounts are known.
Why SpaceX Is Involved
Musk has long talked about a "SpaceX package" for the Roadster. Cold-gas thrusters are a simple technology used on rockets and spacecraft to make small movements: compressed gas is released through nozzles to push the vehicle. On a car, they can add sudden thrust for acceleration or a brief lift. The event's location next to SpaceX's test site underlined the link, and CNBC noted the reveal added to speculation about closer ties between Tesla and SpaceX. No merger has been announced.
What's Next for the Roadster
Based on what Tesla said, the next milestones are:
- Reservations: Tesla has reopened paid reservations, according to CNBC.
- Engineering and approvals: turning a remote-controlled stunt car into a production car that passes safety rules.
- Production: targeted for 2028.
Independent tests by journalists will be the real proof. Until then, treat the flying Roadster as an impressive show and an unfinished product.
How to judge tech-launch claims
The Roadster is a good reminder for anyone buying technology, from cars to phones and laptops:
- Separate what you saw working from what was promised for later.
- Look for independent reviews, not just the company's own numbers.
- Check whether a product is actually on sale, and at what final price.
- Be careful with deposits for products that have no firm delivery date.
The same rules help when you shop for gadgets. Our smartphone buying guide and used laptop checklist show how to check a product before you pay. If you like watching launch events and replays on a bigger screen, browse our monitor collection.
Gadget Price in Thakurgaon
You will not find a Tesla Roadster in Bangladesh any time soon, but you can order phones, laptops and monitors from Megabuy BD wherever you live. We deliver all over Bangladesh, including Thakurgaon Sadar, Pirganj, Ranisankail, Baliadangi and Haripur, with cash on delivery and the same price as on our website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can the new Tesla Roadster really fly?
It can make short, controlled hops using fans and cold-gas thrusters, as shown at the October 2026 event. It did not demonstrate sustained flight like an aircraft or drone. The demo car was reportedly remote-controlled with no one inside, and reporters noted the flying claims remain unproven until independent tests are done.
When will the Tesla Roadster be delivered?
Elon Musk said deliveries should start in 2028. Tesla first showed this Roadster in 2017 and originally promised deliveries in 2020, so the timeline has already slipped many times. Treat 2028 as a target, not a guarantee, until production actually begins and the first customers receive their cars.
How much does the Tesla Roadster cost?
Tesla has not announced a final price. It has opened reservations of US$50,000 for the Performance version and US$250,000 for the Thrust version with cold-gas thrusters. The top Rocket version is invitation only. Final pricing, taxes and import duties would decide the cost in any country.
Will the Tesla Roadster come to Bangladesh?
There is no announcement about Bangladesh. Tesla does not officially sell cars here, and the Roadster will first go to existing reservation holders in Tesla's own markets. Even if a unit is imported privately, a car with rocket-style thrusters would need approval from road and safety authorities, which is unlikely in the near future.
Buy from Megabuy BD
Megabuy BD sells authentic smartphones, laptops, monitors and accessories with clear prices. We deliver nationwide with cash on delivery, and Dhaka orders usually arrive within 24 to 48 hours. Follow our blog for plain-language explanations of the biggest tech news.
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