Elon Musk unveils ‘flying’ car

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has unveiled a new Roadster sports car equipped with thrusters, describing the vehicle as a “flying” car during a livestreamed event at SpaceX’s test facility in Texas on Thursday.

The demonstration offered a glimpse of Musk’s latest attempt to push the boundaries of automotive technology, although technical and regulatory hurdles continue to challenge the development of commercially viable flying cars.

During the event, streamed live on Tesla’s X account, the Roadster accelerated up a steep ramp before landing on its wheels.

“Flying cars are real,” Musk declared.

However, the billionaire acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding the project, saying the vehicle’s “success is not guaranteed” but adding that “it will probably work.”

Musk explained that the car would use “ultra high-pressure air tanks” to generate the thrust needed to lift it into the air.

He described the project as the product of collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, the rocket company he also leads.

“This is what happens when you have a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company,” Musk said.

He added that production of the vehicle was expected to begin in 2028.

Flying cars have long captured the imagination of inventors and technology enthusiasts. American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss unveiled an early flying car prototype in 1917, marking one of the earliest attempts to combine road transportation with flight.

However, the concept has gained renewed attention in recent years as advances in electric motors, battery technology and lightweight materials have opened up new possibilities for personal air transportation.

Despite the progress, developers still face significant challenges, including flight safety, regulatory approval, infrastructure requirements and the cost of bringing such vehicles to market.

Whether Musk’s latest Roadster can deliver on its flying-car promise remains to be seen, particularly as the proposed 2028 production timeline approaches.