Elon Musk's Bold Claim: The Upcoming Tesla Roadster Will Fly... Literally

Once again, the tech wizard Elon Musk has stirred the pot with an audacious claim: the Tesla Roadster, which has been perpetually 'coming next year', will be capable of flying. First glimpsed in 2017, the prototype of this next-generation vehicle was intended to hit the market by 2020. Yet, it has faced delay after delay, turning its promise into a bit of an ongoing joke. Despite the skeptics, Tesla remains committed to its unique vision.

Back in 2017, excitement was palpable when Musk showcased the prototype of the futuristic Roadster. This electric marvel was projected to begin production in 2020, promising unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and a chance to own a slice of the future. But as years passed, skepticism grew. Every year brought new assurances from Tesla, accompanied by further production delays. The Roadster's timeline began to feel like an elusive mirage.

Hopeful Tesla enthusiasts weren't just buying cars; they were buying into a dream. Musk tantalized participants in Tesla’s referral program with the promise of dozens of free new Roadsters, a promise that still hangs in the balance. Then, out of the blue, Musk's update earlier this year offered a renewed glint of hope. He hinted at an updated version, slated for unveiling in 2025, a significant refresh from its original 7-year-old design.

However, Tesla's recent presentations and shareholder meetings have kept mum on the Roadster's development, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Adding fuel to the fire, Musk's recent tweet proclaimed, 'The new Tesla Roadster can fly.' This eyebrow-raising statement harkens back to Musk's mention of a 'SpaceX package' for the Roadster. Rumored to include cold air thrusters, this package proposes that the vehicle might 'fly' or, more accurately, perform short jumps and hovers.

Electrek’s Take

Elon Musk's knack for showmanship and futuristic proclamations continues to astound and entertain. His response to the age-old grievance of 'where are our flying cars?' is a testament to his audacity. But the Tesla Roadster has now entered what some would call the 'put up or shut up' phase.

The hyperbole surrounding the Roadster, its groundbreaking features, and its promise to be the pinnacle ('halo effect') of electric automobiles have left many enthusiasts yearning for substance rather than spectacle. The introduction of cold air thrusters adds an element of sci-fi allure, but also more skepticism. Is Tesla at the cusp of redefining automotive norms, or is this another lofty dream?

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