Tesla Releases POV Video of Roadster Performing 'Kickflip' Maneuver
The uncrewed prototype utilized cold-gas thrusters and underbody suction fans to barrel-roll over a staged vehicle lineup.
Tesla has released a new point-of-view video showcasing the next-generation Roadster performing its signature aerial stunt, offering a visceral look at the vehicle’s flight capabilities during its October 15 unveiling.
What Happened
The roughly 30-second clip, posted to X with the caption "POV you're a flying car," features never-before-seen angles from cameras attached directly to the Roadster. The footage shows the uncrewed prototype firing cold-gas thrusters to lift off the ground and execute a barrel roll while passing over a staged lineup of Tesla vehicles, including the Model 3, Model Y, Cybercab, Cybertruck, and Semi. The demonstration, which Tesla vehicle-engineering chief Lars Moravy dubbed the "kickflip," relied on an underbody suction-fan system to climb and lock onto an inverted ramp. This generated multiple Gs of downforce, which was then released to allow the car to rotate mid-air. The vehicle landed gently on its wheels, cushioned by thruster vapor. All runs took place at SpaceX’s McGregor, Texas, test site and were conducted autonomously, a safety measure confirmed by CEO Elon Musk.
Why It Matters
This demonstration highlights the extreme engineering behind the Roadster’s planned performance features, specifically the use of high-pressure compressed air and fast electric actuators for precise, short-duration force. This same hardware is intended for production versions of the higher-end Thrust and Rocket trims. While the second-generation Roadster, first teased in 2017, has faced repeated delays with production targeted for 2028, the combination of extreme acceleration, ground-effect suction, and limited flight capability positions it as a uniquely theatrical entry in the EV market. Tesla has also indicated plans for a dedicated Texas test track where future owners could experience these maneuvers, distinct from public road use.
The Bottom Line
Tesla continues to refine the second-generation Roadster’s capabilities ahead of its targeted 2028 production start, with recent footage confirming the autonomous nature of its aerial stunts and the specific hardware involved in the "kickflip" maneuver.
