Tesla's Flying Roadster Unveiled, But Practicality and Production Remain Uncertain
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Elon Musk unveiled a "flying" Tesla Roadster prototype at a SpaceX event, demonstrating impressive aerial capabilities. However, the vehicle's production, slated for 2028 after multiple delays, remains uncertain, and the "Rocket" version is not street-legal. Pre-orders require substantial deposits, with the final price and availability unknown. The event generated online parodies and is seen by some as a PR stunt rather than a practical product.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Elon Musk unveiled a "flying" Tesla Roadster prototype with impressive aerial capabilities.
- The "Rocket" version of the Roadster is not street-legal and uses gas thrusters.
- Production is projected for 2028, but has been delayed multiple times since its initial reveal.
- Pre-orders require significant deposits, with prices ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
- The demonstration is viewed by some as a PR event rather than a practical product.
- Online users created humorous AI parodies of the flying car.
Elon Musk's Tesla has generated significant buzz with the unveiling of a "flying" Roadster prototype at a SpaceX facility in Texas. The vehicle performed aerial maneuvers, including flips and vertical acceleration, reaching nearly 100 km/h in under two seconds, reportedly aided by high-pressure air tanks. This demonstration, however, has been met with skepticism regarding its practical application and production timeline.
Tesla has a history of announcing new vehicles with ambitious deadlines that are often missed. The Roadster was initially revealed nine years ago, with production initially slated for 2020. Musk now projects production to begin in 2028, a date that has already been postponed multiple times. The "Rocket" version, showcased in the demonstrations, was equipped with gas thrusters and had its passenger seat removed to accommodate the air tanks, indicating it is not intended for public roads and may not be street-legal.
Pre-orders for the Roadster are open, with deposits ranging from $50,000 for the base model to $250,000 for an intermediate version. The "Rocket" model is currently by invitation only. In Israel, preliminary deposits are also being accepted, with significant sums required for the "Thrust" and "Performance" models, though these are described as down payments for the option to purchase, not final prices.
Online, the event sparked a wave of AI-generated parodies and humorous content about the flying car. Meanwhile, competitors like BYD are showcasing high-performance electric vehicles, such as the Yangwang U9, which boasts 3,000 horsepower and has reached speeds close to 500 km/h in tests. Analysts suggest the Roadster's relaunch might be a prelude to a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX, a rumor that has circulated recently.
Experts like those at The Verge view the demonstration primarily as a public relations event to bolster Tesla's image as a pioneering tech company, rather than a showcase of a viable product. The focus on rocket-like propulsion for short flights suggests a departure from road usability, with the ultimate purpose and availability of the vehicle remaining unclear.