Tesla CEO Elon Musk has teased new details about the upcoming Roadster during his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. The information suggests the car could debut technology that breaks from standard car design. The Roadster, which Tesla first revealed years ago, has been delayed several times. Still, Musk says the wait may end soon as the prototype could be demonstrated before the end of 2025.
Getting close to a unique demo
On the podcast, Musk talked about “crazy technology” and implied the Roadster might not be like any other car. He said, “We’re getting close to demonstrating the prototype. One thing I can guarantee is that this product demo will be unforgettable. Unforgettable.”
He compared the upcoming vehicle’s features to all the cars used by James Bond, saying they aren’t as wild as Tesla’s new Roadster. While Tesla planned several unveil events in previous years that never happened, Musk now claims the product demo may arrive before 2026.
Musk’s comment on flying
Technology inside the new Roadster seems different than what most expected. Musk said, “My friend Peter Thiel once reflected that the future was supposed to have flying cars, but we don’t have flying cars. I think if Peter wants a flying car, he should be able to buy one.” This comment has intensified speculation. Most people think Musk might add technology to the Roadster that lets it hover or even fly for short distances. There’s talk of a “SpaceX package” that uses cold gas thrusters. This package may help the Roadster launch itself off the ground or hover for a brief moment.
Patent and new design
Tesla has filed patents US12-337-920-B1, titled “Vehicle air duct system for cooling and generating downforce,” for features that could let the Roadster hover. One includes fans installed into the car’s side skirts, meant to boost downforce for better grip. Changing the direction of airflow might let the car lift up slightly off the road or help with performance. However, Musk has not confirmed exactly how this system works or how much hovering or flying is actually possible.
Musk did not share everything about the Roadster. He didn’t say how much the car would cost, how many he would build, or the official launch date. But musk said “hopefully within a couple of months”. Another big question is whether the flying feature is part of every Roadster, or if it’s optional. Regulatory and technical limits with flying cars are not solved yet. Musk himself admitted, “We need to make sure that it works. Like this is some crazy, crazy technology we got in this car.” He offered Rogan a chance to see the prototype in person, though he didn’t promise when.
If Tesla succeeds, the Roadster won’t just be another fast sports car. It might have features that challenge what people expect of road vehicles. Still, Tesla has missed several Roadster deadlines since 2017 so nobody knows when deliveries will start. The car’s flying ability, if proven real, could make it stand out in a way no other car has before.
Elon and Joe Rogan talking about the Roadster: Video
Elon and Joe Rogan talking about the Roadster pic.twitter.com/1TauxjnqWS
— (@dezmondOliver) October 31, 2025
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