Elon Musk is generating buzz once again by hinting at a groundbreaking feature for the new Tesla Roadster: the potential to fly. His bold claims during a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast are drawing both excitement and skepticism, but they undeniably revive interest in the delayed electric supercar.
Musk’s assurance that the upcoming product demonstration will be “unforgettable” sets high expectations. He characterized the technology in the Roadster as “crazy, crazy,” building intrigue around a vehicle that promises exceptional performance. With a nod to cultural nostalgia, Musk also invoked comments from his friend Peter Thiel, expressing that if transitioning from the ground to the air is feasible, then consumers like Thiel should have that option. “If Peter wants a flying car, he should be able to buy one,” Musk stated, tapping into a long-standing dream many share.
The June 14 podcast marked yet another opportunity for Musk to unveil plans for the Roadster, which has been delayed since its original announcement in 2017. Listeners were offered a glimpse into what he claimed would be a nearly final version of the car, with the promise of a demonstration by the end of 2024—potentially including flight capabilities. Musk mused, “Is it even a car?” adding that its design would surpass even the most iconic vehicles from James Bond films.
While Musk’s comments stir excitement, there is also a wave of scrutiny over the ambitious claims. Despite the allure of lofty promises, the Roadster’s production has faced numerous setbacks, and clear specifications remain vague. Analysts have indicated the existence of patents for innovative systems designed to manipulate airflow, which could lend the vehicle hover capabilities when coupled with a proposed “SpaceX package” featuring cold-gas thrusters. However, this kind of technology is only theoretical at this stage.
Experts emphasize that achieving actual flight poses significant technical and regulatory challenges. As Electrek pointed out, the current limitations of vehicle technology, safety requirements, and the complexity of managing energy and weight leave little room for a car to achieve true flight under current standards. In this light, Musk’s enthusiasm dances precariously between genuine innovation and fanciful spectacle.
While Tesla has made strides in electric vehicle technology and has successfully launched and landed rockets with SpaceX, Musk’s history of delayed projects—such as the Hyperloop and robotaxis—raises eyebrows. Nervous anticipation surrounds the promise of the Roadster, especially amid Tesla’s recent struggles. Delivery figures have dipped, and competition from other electric vehicle manufacturers is intensifying, making a dramatic reveal all the more critical. An analyst from Bernstein Research highlighted this need, stating that “Tesla needs a compelling new story” to rekindle interest.
As timelines remain ambiguous, Musk’s remarks walk a fine line between ambition and uncertainty. The grandiosity of the vehicle—and his suggestion that it may not fit traditional definitions of a car—opens a host of questions about its intended use. If it resembles a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) craft or is focused on brief bursts of vertical propulsion for dramatic effect, there may be significant implications for licensing and safety.
Musk has previously discussed the potential for the Roadster to utilize compressed air thrusters, inspired by aerospace technology, claiming they could enhance acceleration and handling. However, this advancement could introduce further regulatory hurdles, complicating what is already a unique challenge in automotive engineering.
While concrete evidence of the Roadster’s capabilities remains elusive, Musk’s confidence shines through. He told Rogan, “We’re getting close,” highlighting the advanced technology he asserts will redefine what a supercar can achieve. The notion that this unveiling could be the most memorable in automotive history certainly adds pressure to deliver.
Whether the Tesla Roadster will actually take to the skies or serve as a clever marketing ploy for a cutting-edge electric vehicle designed for the road will remain to be seen. Nonetheless, the world’s attention is sharply focused on Tesla’s next steps, with the future of automotive innovation hanging in the balance.
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