Tesla unveils new Roadster with flying features, but experts remain skeptical

Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the new Roadster on Thursday, presenting a sports car with claimed flying capabilities, including hovering, acrobatics, and speeds over 370 km/h. The top "Rocket" model uses ten thruster nozzles and air tanks developed with SpaceX. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 97 km/h in 0.81 seconds and achieves cornering forces above 2 g. The flying variant will not be street-legal and will only be sold to select customers, with a deposit of $250,000. Experts expressed skepticism, noting the Roadster only demonstrated short hops, not sustained flight. Existing flying cars like Alef's Model A have achieved certified vertical takeoff and landing, but face challenges in transition to forward flight.