Tesla Reveals Three-Tier Roadster With 2028 Production Target and Flying Variant

Tesla officially revealed the production-intent version of the next-generation Roadster on October 15, 2026, ending nearly a decade of speculation following the vehicle’s initial 2017 debut. During an event at SpaceX’s McGregor, Texas facility, the company demonstrated a vehicle that has pivoted from a traditional electric supercar toward a specialized “flying” machine, now slated for a 2028 production start.

The production model is divided into three distinct configurations: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. These tiers represent a significant departure from the single-model approach originally teased, moving the vehicle from a 2+2 grand tourer to configurations that prioritize extreme physics over passenger capacity.

The Performance tier utilizes underbody suction fans to maintain stability during high-speed maneuvers.

The base “Performance” tier maintains a two-seat layout and targets a 0-60 mph time of under 1.6 seconds. This version utilizes an underbody suction fan system, capable of generating 2g of downforce to keep the car planted during high-speed maneuvers. Stepping up to the “Thrust” tier introduces rear-mounted cold-gas thrusters, which Tesla claims will drop the 0-60 mph sprint to less than 0.9 seconds. Reservations for these tiers are currently set at $50,000 for the Performance model and $250,000 for the Thrust model.

The “Rocket” version stands as the most extreme iteration. An invite-only single-seater, this variant is equipped with 10 cold-gas thrusters positioned around the vehicle’s perimeter. During the McGregor demonstration, the vehicle showcased its capability for brief flight using these thrusters. Tesla has confirmed that the Rocket version is explicitly not approved for public road use.

Revised Performance and Range

While the acceleration figures have improved since the 2017 concept, other key specifications have seen a reduction. The production-intent Roadster targets a range of approximately 300 miles, a significant decrease from the 620-mile range originally promised nearly a decade ago. This shift reflects a move toward weight management and the energy requirements of the thruster and suction systems.

The Rocket configuration features a driver-centric, single-seat layout optimized for track use.

The interior architecture varies by tier, with the Rocket version’s central seating position reflecting its track-only, aerodynamics-focused design.

The 2028 production target marks an eight-year delay from the vehicle’s original 2020 delivery goal. For long-term reservation holders, the reveal provides the first concrete timeline in years, though it comes with the reality of a halved range and a high entry price for the more advanced “flying” technology. As of late 2026, Tesla is prioritizing the refinement of the cold-gas thruster systems and suction fan integration as it prepares the McGregor facility for specialized assembly.

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