Tesla has unveiled a flying, rocket-assisted version of its long-delayed second-generation Roadster during a live demonstration in Texas.

Uncovered nearly a decade after the first concept was shown, the “last best drivers’ car” was inspired by films such as James Bond’s Lotus Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me, and leans into aerospace aesthetics and “physics-defying performance”.

While full technical specifications remain tightly under wraps, Tesla has claimed the Roadster can smash the 0-60mph sprint in under one second when equipped with its optional SpaceX cold-gas thrusters and that it’s capable of 370km/h (230mph) while delivering an electric range of more than 482km (300 miles).

The vehicle also features an advanced active downforce system engineered to keep the chassis firmly planted through high-speed cornering.

The live reveal featured a series of standout stunts that stunned the crowd. In one dramatic demonstration, the unmanned Roadster launched off a ramp, performing a complete mid-air barrel roll and a kickflip manoeuvre over a row of other Tesla vehicles – including the Tesla Semi truck – before landing safely. Another stunt saw the Roadster drive up and off a vertical ramp before rotating and hovering mid-air and executing a safe landing.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but Elon Musk stated that production will officially begin in 2028, despite the model facing years of severe delays.

Tesla also showed the thrusters lifting the Roadster off the ground and performing aerial stunts. Musk claims customers will be able to buy the car in this specification, though it seems unlikely that regulators will approve the thrusters for public road use.

The exterior draws heavily on a “minimalist yet highly technical” approach with hidden headlights, a full-length taillight and flush-mounted aerodynamics. This is reinforced by super light wheels with thin spokes that reinforce its structural strength “when earthbound”.

The ‘Ano White’ paint is said to take inspiration from aerospace techniques that provide UV and cryogenic protection when exposed to the harshness of space, plus electrostatic dissipation and corrosion resistance to protect rockets during pre-launch and recovery.

An iconic Ultrawhite interior is accented with grey microsuede detailing. Seats feature microsuede bolsters for added grip. A new steering wheel ‘yoke’ is designed specifically for steer by wire. A centre touchscreen, supported by two smaller forward displays, provides critical driving information.

The Roadster also features active aerodynamics. The vehicle has several different modes from Road Mode, to High-Downforce Mode, to Low Drag Mode which feature a combination of moving elements like angle of the retractable rear wing.

The long-awaited supercar will be available in three configurations:

• Performance: Road-ready (two-seat layout)
  Equipped with active aerodynamics and a multi-mode chassis suction system designed to deliver next-level downforce and cornering performance, both on and off the track.
• Thrust: Race-ready (two-seat layout)
  Pairs the core multi-mode suction system with high-output, rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters to blast the vehicle from 0-60mph in under one second.
• Rocket: Air-ready (single-seat cockpit layout)
  Combines the suction system with a complex network of perimeter-mounted cold-gas thrusters. This system provides forward, upward, and lateral rotational movement – officially enabling the vehicle to fly.