Tesla's flying Roadster wows crowds but analysts see limited sales impact

Tesla unveiled its next-generation Roadster in Texas on Thursday, featuring three versions, one of which demonstrated flying capabilities, but analysts do not expect the model to generate significant revenue. The company's share price rose on Friday due to hype, though the commercial impact is seen as limited. Elon Musk showcased the supercar with cold-gas thrusters developed using SpaceX technology, which analysts described as a "headline-grabbing engineering moment" and a "publicity stunt" emphasizing brand innovation. Production is expected to start in 2028, with reservations open, though the flying version is invitation-only and final prices are unannounced. The flying features are not approved for public road use, and regulatory hurdles, including aircraft certification requirements, limit wider adoption. Tesla faces pressure to convert expensive technology into profits, with second-quarter net profit falling 5% despite revenue rising 26%, while speculation about a potential SpaceX merger remains unconfirmed.