Overview
- Tesla staged a livestreamed reveal on Thursday in Waco, Texas, showing a prototype drive up a ramp, stick to the surface with an underbody suction system, detach, rotate in the air and land on its wheels.
- The car uses ten SpaceX‑linked cold‑gas thrusters for short flights and a multimode suction fan for added downforce, and Tesla reported a measured 0–60 mph time of 0.81 seconds at the demo.
- Tesla said the vehicle will come in three configurations — Performance, Thrust and an invitation‑only Rocket model that adds more thrusters and flight capability — and published reservation terms requiring initial deposits up to $250,000 for higher tiers.
- The company disclosed carbon‑fiber‑overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) to store compressed gas, a detail that draws safety scrutiny because COPVs have been involved in past rocket incidents, and Tesla acknowledged flight functions are not allowed on public roads.
- Tesla set a 2028 production target but gave no final prices, total production volumes or full regulatory approvals, leaving long‑waiting depositors uncertain about delivery timing and regional availability of the Rocket variant.