Tesla Roadster can thrust itself skyward, but expect to wait before you drive it anytime soon

A Roadster with flight features

Tesla presented new features for its second-generation Roadster at an event on Thursday. The sports car has cold gas thrusters and a “multi-mode” suction system, which can send it briefly into the air and turn it during flight.

Musk wrote on X after the event that the future includes flying cars. The unveiling followed years of delays and anticipation for the vehicle.

Production remains years away

Musk said Tesla does not expect to begin consumer production until 2028. The company has not yet announced a price for the electric vehicle. Tesla shares climbed about 2% in morning trading on Friday, the day after the Roadster’s unveiling.

Road-use rules still apply

The car is not cleared to fly on public roads. Tesla’s website says the Roadster’s rocket feature is “Not approved for public road use.” Flying vehicles also face substantial regulatory hurdles more broadly. The brief demonstrations described at the launch do not change the feature’s current road-use restriction.