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Archived story · published October 16, 2026. Coverage reflects reporting at the time. See today's brief

Business & Finance · October 16, 2026

The world reacts to Elon Musk’s flying car

3 sources →

Tesla unveiled a new prototype of its next-generation Roadster at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas, on October 15, 2026. The vehicle, a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, demonstrated unique capabilities including driving upside down on a curved ramp using a suction system and using rocket-inspired thrusters to perform a mid-air flip and soft landing. CEO Elon Musk stated the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under one second, specifically clocking 0.81 seconds during the demo. While reservations are open with deposits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, Musk noted the car might not be street-legal in all jurisdictions and is not necessarily safety-optimized. Production is targeted for 2028, following nearly a decade of delays since the concept's 2017 debut.

Read the original coverage

Reported by multiple outlets

  • The unveil took place at a SpaceX site in McGregor, Texas, on October 15, 2026.
  • The Roadster uses SpaceX-derived thruster technology to hover and land.
  • The vehicle achieved 0-60 mph in less than one second during the demonstration.
  • Production is scheduled to begin in 2028.
  • Elon Musk acknowledged the vehicle may not be street-legal and is not safety-optimized.
  • The car used a suction system to drive upside down on a ramp.
  • Tesla is accepting deposits of $50,000 for the car.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The New York Post reported specific performance specs: a top speed of 230 mph and a battery range of at least 300 miles.
  • CNBC noted that the new Roadster will be the last Tesla intended for human drivers, omitting the 'FSD' system.
  • CNBC highlighted that a $250,000 deposit was required for a 'Founder's Edition' in 2017, while New York Post says a 'Thrust' version now requires that amount.
  • CNBC reported on speculation regarding a Tesla-SpaceX merger following SpaceX's June 2026 IPO.
  • The New York Post mentioned the car reached an altitude of 21 feet during a kickflip demo over a truck.

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