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Tesla Roadster Unveiled, FAA Says Not an Aircraft

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 6:10 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Elon Musk Unveils Roadster

Elon Musk unveiled a Roadster in Texas demonstrating barrel rolls and jumps over vehicles.
Tesla sells a $50,000 Performance road-legal model and a $250,000 Rocket model not road-approved.
The FAA said the vehicle is not an aircraft, while NHTSA warned it must meet safety standards.
Production begins 2028 in Texas with an 800-1000 V battery and 500 kW charging.
Tesla claims the Roadster provides 1,350 hp, 0-60 mph in 0.81 s, 310-320 mile range, under 3,700 lb.

Summary

Musk's Wealth Plummets

Elon Musk’s net worth fell $20 billion, dropping to $925 billion after the Roadster reveal.
Tesla’s stock slipped 1.3%, pushing its year-to-date decline to 17%.
SpaceX shares fell 2.3%, leaving its year-to-date loss near 8%.
Analyst Gene Munster called the stunt demo an ‘engineering flex with no commercial value’.
Rivals BYD, Geely and Hyundai continue selling sub-$25,000 EVs while Tesla pursues an ultra-luxury halo.

History

Historical Context

In July 2006 Tesla revealed a Roadster prototype at Santa Monica, then delivered the first production car to Elon Musk in February 2008, becoming the first highway-legal vehicle to use lithium-ion batteries and achieve over 200 mi of range. Backed by a Lotus-Elise chassis and Musk’s $7.5 million investment, Tesla built 500 Roadsters by June 2009, establishing a high-price EV model that today fuels renewed market hype.

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Elon Musk Unveils Roadster

Elon Musk unveiled a Roadster in Texas demonstrating barrel rolls and jumps over vehicles.
Tesla sells a $50,000 Performance road-legal model and a $250,000 Rocket model not road-approved.
The FAA said the vehicle is not an aircraft, while NHTSA warned it must meet safety standards.
Production begins 2028 in Texas with an 800-1000 V battery and 500 kW charging.
Tesla claims the Roadster provides 1,350 hp, 0-60 mph in 0.81 s, 310-320 mile range, under 3,700 lb.

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