Texas: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has unveiled the company’s new Roadster sports car at an event in Texas, claiming that the vehicle could perform airborne maneuvers using a system of high-pressure air jets.
The two-seat sports car is designed to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second. According to the demonstration, the vehicle can also travel on extremely steep surfaces and use air jets to descend while suspended upside down.
The Roadster was demonstrated without a driver inside. Musk said the decision was made to prevent anyone from being killed in a potential accident during testing.
“There is no guarantee of success. I mean, it might do what we claim it can do, but even if it doesn’t, we’re at a safe distance,” Musk said.
In another demonstration, the Roadster appeared to fly over other Tesla vehicles using the same air-jet system.
The vehicle reportedly uses 10 nozzles connected to what Musk described as ultra-high-pressure air tanks. The system is intended to help the car hover or gain additional speed.
Musk said the vehicle was the result of collaboration between the world’s best car manufacturer and the world’s best rocket company.
Tesla plans to begin production of the Roadster in 2028.
However, it remains unclear whether the vehicle will be capable of sustained flight in real-world conditions. The demonstrations did not establish that the Roadster can maintain prolonged airborne movement, and its practical performance with a driver on board remains to be seen.