Tesla has unveiled the second-generation Roadster, offering three versions: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The Rocket version can fly, and a video of its airborne demonstration has sparked widespread discussion online, according to Chinese outlet D1EV.
Xpeng chairman He Xiaopeng shared the Roadster's flight video on social media, calling it "a very cool form of flying car." However, he cautioned that whether it can actually land on the market depends on flight safety and performance parameters such as range. "No one can bypass flight certification (TC, etc.), which is a long-term effort globally. I sincerely hope this process can be accelerated," he wrote.
The second-generation Roadster features a multi-mode suction system and rear cold-gas thrusters, marking the first application of SpaceX's aerospace-grade cold-gas thruster technology in a production car. The thrusters and fans are distributed around the vehicle, and the rear wing adjusts its angle automatically based on driving conditions. Engineering details released by Tesla indicate the fan suction can hold the car upside down at a standstill and generate lateral acceleration of up to 2g in corners. The vehicle carries two air tanks with a combined capacity of about 600 liters (roughly 250 kilograms of compressed air), and the propulsion system can deliver maximum thrust exceeding 80 kilonewtons. The car can refill its own air tanks.
Tesla's China website has opened reservations for the Performance version with a deposit of 332,000 yuan (about $46,800). Musk said the Roadster is scheduled to begin production in 2028. The final price has not been announced.
Xpeng's flying car is closer to production
Xpeng is also pushing hard to bring a flying car to market, but its approach differs from Tesla's. Xpeng's "Land Aircraft Carrier" combines a four-rotor flying module with a ground vehicle, rather than being a fully self-contained flying car like the Roadster.
Xpeng's flying car is further along in development. It is set to begin batch deliveries this year, and has already received more than 7,000 orders globally, according to D1EV. In contrast, Tesla has yet to announce a specific price for the Roadster and its production timeline extends to 2028.
He Xiaopeng's comments highlight the regulatory and technical challenges facing flying cars, a segment that both Tesla and Xpeng are betting on as the next frontier in mobility.
