Tesla's Flying Roadster Debuts After Nine-Year Delay, But FAA Says It's Not an Aircraft

Key points

• The second-generation Roadster was revealed on October 15, 2026, nearly nine years after its initial announcement.
• The vehicle demonstrated aerial stunts, including jumping over other cars and performing barrel rolls, using SpaceX-developed cold-gas thrusters.
• Tesla plans three versions: a road-ready base model, a race-ready Thrust version, and an invite-only Rocket version with flying capabilities.
• Production is targeted for 2028, with reservation deposits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
• The Federal Aviation Administration stated the vehicle does not meet its definition of an aircraft and is not approved for public roads.

Background

The Roadster has been a long-standing project for Tesla, with initial reservations taken in 2017. Previous delays had led to public criticism, including from OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman, who requested a refund. The vehicle is described by Musk as the last manually driven Tesla model.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and CNBC focused on the technical specifications and the demonstration's success, highlighting the 0.81-second 0-60 mph time and the collaboration with SpaceX. The Washington Post editorial board characterized the car as an 'extraordinary engineering feat' but a 'vanity project' with little practical value for consumers. Politico emphasized the regulatory ambiguity, noting the FAA's refusal to certify the vehicle as an aircraft, which raises questions about its legal use on public roads.

Why it matters

The unveiling highlights the intersection of automotive and aerospace technology, but the lack of regulatory clarity and the delayed production timeline suggest the vehicle may remain a niche, high-cost product rather than a mainstream innovation.

What to watch

Tesla is expected to report third-quarter financial results, and the company will need to address regulatory hurdles before the 2028 production target. The FAA's stance may lead to further legal or regulatory debates regarding the vehicle's use.