Tesla unveils new car it says can 'fly'

According to CNN, Tesla unveiled the new model of its two-seat sports car, the Roadster, at a product reveal event.

The model, which uses 10 nozzles and "ultra-high-pressure air tanks" to move through the air and accelerate rapidly on the ground, was shown climbing a steep ramp and hanging upside down thanks to the suction generated underneath the car.

The vehicle was then shown launching off the ramp, flipping in midair and landing using its thrusters. It was also demonstrated jumping over a row of Tesla's existing models parked side by side.

During the event, the driverless vehicle was also shown accelerating to approximately 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than one second.

Production expected to begin in 2028

Speaking at the event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company needed an audience to prove that the demonstration was not AI, adding, "Because you won't believe what you see with your own eyes."

Musk also emphasized that production of the vehicle was expected to begin in 2028, while acknowledging that the car might not be legally approved in every market.

Meanwhile, as questions remain over whether the vehicle can deliver on its promises, Roger Connor, curator for vertical flight at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, commented on the vehicle:

"Aircraft are extremely sensitive to weight, whereas with ground vehicles you want to have features like bumpers. Inevitably, something that is a hybrid between the two is going to be a poor performing aircraft and a poor performing vehicle, and also quite expensive."