Tesla Roadster will perform autonomous flying stunts, Musk claims

Elon Musk claims the Tesla Roadster will perform its flying stunts autonomously and be sentient when doing so. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX made the statement following a live demonstration of the vehicle's aerial capabilities using cold gas thrusters.

The Roadster demonstrated autonomous flight maneuvers using cold gas thrusters and suction systems at an outdoor event near SpaceX's McGregor test site. At the October 15 event outside Waco, the car drove up a curved ramp until it was upside down, flew off using cold gas thrusters, flipped, and landed. During the demo, the Roadster hovered over a lineup of other Tesla vehicles while moving. The system uses cold gas thrusters fed by a composite overwrapped pressure vessel, the same type used on the Falcon 9 rocket, with electric actuators making small adjustments in flight. A fan system under the car creates suction strong enough to hold it upside down on the ramp. Tesla moved the event outdoors because it 'can only be held outdoors,' after a postponement due to high winds.

Musk claims Roadster will be sentient and perform stunts autonomously

Elon Musk stated the Roadster will be sentient when performing tricks autonomously and that owners can command it to do so without being at the controls. At the event, Musk said the car "is just going to puff itself up" to perform maneuvers. In a Saturday statement clarifying the vehicle's capabilities, Musk said, "True. You will be able to ask the Roadster to perform any of the tricks shown autonomously, as it will be sentient." This confirms that the car would fly maneuvers itself, not with the owner driving. Musk has previously cited SpaceX as the source for the Roadster’s flight package and said a thruster-equipped model could reach 60 mph in about 1.1 seconds.

Looping test track planned at Tesla’s Texas headquarters

Musk promised a looping track at Tesla’s Texas headquarters for owners to test their cars. He said Tesla will build a looping track crazier even than Hot Wheels at its Texas HQ. Musk gave no size, location, or opening date for the Texas looping track.

Roadster remains limited to private use with many details unknown

The Roadster is not approved for public road use, and the Rocket version built to fly is invite-only. Musk did not say when the autonomous stunt feature might arrive, explain how it would work, or define what he means by 'sentient.' Tesla has not published a delivery date, a certification path for the vehicle, or specified which of its three configurations will include the thruster system. The company said the event would cover pricing, specifications, and production targets, but many details remain unclarified. Production of the Roadster is planned for Giga Texas in 2027 or 2028.