Overview
- On the Joe Rogan podcast, Elon Musk said Tesla is getting close to demonstrating a new Roadster prototype and promised an unforgettable demo hoped for before the end of the year.
- He implied the prototype could fly by invoking Peter Thiel’s line about flying cars, while refusing to share specifics on design or technology.
- Tesla shares climbed about 3.5% on Friday following the remarks, closing near $456.56 after an intraday rebound.
- The Roadster has slipped repeatedly from an original 2020 production target, and Tesla’s design chief recently signaled an unveiling this year with potential deliveries within two years.
- Earlier concepts referenced a ‘SpaceX package’ with cold‑gas thrusters and a patent for fan-based downforce, yet real-world flight faces significant technical and regulatory hurdles as reservation holders such as Sam Altman publicly express frustration.