Elon Musk unveiled a new Tesla Roadster prototype Thursday that can briefly launch into the air.
During a demonstration at a SpaceX facility in Texas, the vehicle accelerated up a curved ramp, jumped over five Tesla cars, performed a barrel roll, and landed using cold-gas thrusters.
“Well, it worked!” Musk said, acknowledging that the vehicle is “not necessarily a safety-optimized car.”
Tesla says the Roadster uses a fan-powered suction system for added road grip and self-refilling cold-gas thrusters for airborne maneuvers. The company claims it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 0.81 seconds.
Tesla plans to offer three versions: a road-ready Performance model, a Thrust version with rear thrusters, and an invite-only Rocket model capable of the aerial stunts. The Rocket version will seat one person and is not approved for public roads.
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Tesla has not announced pricing or a firm release date, but Musk said production will not begin until 2028.