If you’re hunting for a sports car that can lift off the road, Tesla’s latest Roadster made a 21‑metre jump on Oct 15, leaving buyers stunned.
The lift came from a pair of cold‑gas thrusters that blast pressurised nitrogen to create thrust, a tech SpaceX has been refining for rockets. The system can only fire for a few seconds, so the Roadster’s aerial maneuver was more of a stunt than a sustained flight.
Owners will likely need a special licence and insurance that cover airborne manoeuvres, because standard motor cover won’t apply. Regulators will decide whether the vehicle is a car, an aircraft, or both, and insurers will need to weigh the risks of a car that can hop over a curb.
Tesla has yet to set a final price; the 2027 model was quoted at $200k while deposit lists show $50k for the Performance trim. The company has not confirmed a retail figure for the 2028 launch, but the premium will almost certainly be comparable to other high‑end sports cars.
The Roadster sits above the Porsche 911 Turbo in raw power, but its unique jump makes it a niche for tech collectors and early adopters. Production is slated for 2028, with deliveries expected to start later that year.