Tesla says its new Roadster can fly. Here is what that really means
The top version uses jets of air to lift the car. Tesla says that version is invite only and not approved for public roads.
Tesla has shown off its new Roadster, a sports car with room for two. Its website makes a bold claim about the top version: "So yes, it can fly."
How can a car fly? Tesla uses cold-gas thrusters. These are small jets that push out squeezed air, a bit like letting go of a balloon. On the top version, Tesla says the thrusters sit around the edge of the car. They help it move forward, go up and turn in the air.
Tesla says SpaceX, the rocket company, has used thrusters "to position spacecraft for decades". Making them work in a car "took all-new hardware". The car is packed with tanks of gas. In a post on October 15, Tesla said more gas on board means "more flight time".
There are three versions. The first is "Road ready with seating for two." The second adds thrusters at the back. Tesla says they push the car from 0 to 60 miles per hour "in under 1 second". The flying one is called Rocket. It seats one person, and it is "Invite Only".
So can you fly it to work? No. Tesla's own page says: "Not approved for public road use." It adds that the Rocket version is not sold in every region.
There is one more trick. Fans pull air out from under the car. Tesla says this suction is strong enough "to hold the vehicle upside down, even when stationary".
Open it and check the claim yourself. That is the point.