Elon Musk: Tesla's new Roadster in the video - rocket-powered sports car

Flying cars, they said – now Elon Musk has built one. On Thursday he presented a Tesla sports car that can fly for short distances thanks to cold gas engines.

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO:

»Maybe some of you know Evel Knievel's attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon. Let’s try again!”

The legendary stuntman Knievel would certainly marvel at Musk's new toy: at the presentation in Waco, Texas, the roadster even performed a sideways roll in the air. The insane acceleration was also demonstrated: from a standstill, the two-seater only needed 0.81 seconds to reach just under 100 kilometers per hour. The production model will be even faster – says Musk.

So that the car and passengers can stay on the road with so much power, all roadsters should have an intake system. This too was - how could it be otherwise with Musk - staged spectacularly: thanks to the device, the demonstration car was able to hang upside down on a ramp.

In addition to Tesla, Musk also runs the space company SpaceX, where rocket engines are part of everyday life. It has long been speculated that he could unite both companies under one roof.

Musk announced a new direction for Tesla: The Roadster will be the last Tesla model that will still be driven by people, according to the tech billionaire.

Production of the sports car is scheduled to start in 2028.

Elon Musk, Tesla CEO:

“Really!”

Musk had already announced it once: for 2020.

If the car is actually produced now, it will cost around 250,000 euros. However, according to Tesla's website, the so-called "Rocket" variant will only be available upon invitation from the company. Reason: Flying on public roads is not allowed. But the project is off the charts either way.