In a spectacular reveal in Texas, Elon Musk introduced Tesla's next-generation electric sports car: the Roadster Cyberfie. This groundbreaking vehicle can travel short distances in the air, drive completely inverted, and accelerate from zero to nearly 100 kilometers per hour in under a second, all thanks to rocket thrusters co-developed with SpaceX.
The event took place at SpaceX's rocket testing facility in McGregor and lasted less than half an hour, with a presentation style more akin to a show than a typical product launch.
Before the vehicle made its dramatic entrance, Musk set the stage with a bold statement: "Tonight, you're going to witness some mind-blowing stuff. We need an audience to attest that this isn't artificial intelligence or a simulation. You won't believe your eyes."
Autonomous Stunts and Aerial Maneuvers
The Roadster Cyberfie climbed a multi-story ramp, clung to a nearly vertical surface utilizing a fan system, flipped upside down, and then flew over an entire lineup of Tesla vehicles—including the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, Semi, and Cybercab—performing a full airborne rotation that Lars Moravy, Tesla's VP of Engineering, dubbed the kick flip.
All of these maneuvers were executed autonomously, with no driver on board.
Innovative Technology Under the Hood
The Roadster Cyberfie introduces two groundbreaking systems to the automotive world. The first is a suction mechanism using fans located beneath the vehicle. Musk described it humorously: "This car really sucks. It can pull the chrome off a trailer hitch. It remains adhered to the ground even when upside down."
The second system involves cold gas thrusters designed by Tesla and SpaceX engineers. These thrusters use compressed air stored in dual tanks with a combined capacity of 600 liters—around 250 kilograms of air—released through ten nozzles. Unlike traditional rockets, the car can recharge its air tank without special chemical fuels.
During the demonstration, the Roadster accelerated from zero to 60 mph in just 0.81 seconds, with Musk claiming that the production model will be even faster.
Three Variants and Reservations
Tesla has announced three configurations for the Roadster Cyberfie. The Performance version, road-legal and seating two, includes the suction system but lacks the thrusters, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in under 1.6 seconds with a $50,000 reservation fee.
The Thrust version adds rear cold gas thrusters, reducing acceleration time to under 0.9 seconds, with reservations starting at $250,000.
The Rocket variant, a single-seater equipped with thrusters around its perimeter, boasts acceleration from zero to 60 mph in under 0.59 seconds and a top speed exceeding 230 mph. This version will be invitation-only and may not be approved in all regions.
Tesla warns that the Roadster's flying capability is not permitted on public roads. All versions claim a range exceeding 300 miles.
Delayed Arrival and Future Prospects
The Roadster comes nearly a decade after Musk unveiled the original prototype in November 2017, initially promising production by 2020. The project faced at least six delays as Tesla prioritized other models and its autonomous driving and robotics programs.
Musk downplayed the commercial impact of the launch, stating, "I must say, this isn't necessarily a car optimized for safety. But it takes the fun factor to eleven out of ten." He also described it as "a small potatoes situation" that won't significantly impact the company's financials.
Barclays analysts speculated—without official confirmation—that the presentation might be part of preparations for a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX, ahead of the annual shareholders meeting scheduled for December 2026.
The Roadster Cyberfie's production is slated for 2028, with no final sale price or delivery date announced.
Key Features and Future of Tesla's Roadster Cyberfie
What makes the Roadster Cyberfie's technology unique?
The Roadster Cyberfie features a suction system with fans for ground adhesion, even upside down, and cold gas thrusters developed with SpaceX for rapid acceleration and short-distance flight.
How fast can the Roadster Cyberfie accelerate?
The Roadster Cyberfie can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 0.81 seconds, with the production model expected to be even faster.
When is the Roadster Cyberfie expected to be available?
Production for the Roadster Cyberfie is planned for 2028, though final sale prices and delivery dates have yet to be announced.