Tesla unveils Roadster that can briefly leave the ground
Tesla showed a new Roadster that can briefly lift off using SpaceX thrusters, though experts question whether it would work in everyday use. Its status as a true flying car remains debated.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
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What happened
Tesla unveiled a new version of its Roadster electric vehicle that can briefly take to the air using SpaceX technology. Experts have expressed skepticism about whether the car could work in the real world. Coverage has also examined the physics that lets the car hop, glide and stick upside down.
Why it matters
Whether the vehicle qualifies as a flying car remains an open question, and experts doubt its practicality in everyday use.
Timeline
- Oct 19: Tesla unveiled a new version of its Roadster EV that can briefly take to the air using SpaceX technology.
- Oct 19: Experts questioned whether the Roadster could actually work in the real world and called it totally impractical.
- Oct 20: Wired published an explanation of the friction and force behind the car's hopping, gliding and upside-down sticking.
Coverage
- The Physics Behind Tesla’s Flying Roadster (wired.com)
- 'Cute demo, but totally impractical': Experts are skeptical that Tesla's 'rocket' Roadster could actually work in the real world (livescience.com)
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