The unveiling of the updated Tesla Roadster prototype showcased dramatic aerial stunts, leaving enthusiasts debating whether these maneuvers can genuinely be classified as true flight.

While the car undeniably left the ground under its own mechanical power, the technical reality aligns far more with high-tech acrobatic leaping than sustained aerial travel.

The system relies on SpaceX-derived cold-gas thrusters delivering over 80 kilonewtons of force alongside active suction fan systems. These components allow the car to perform rapid bursts of propulsion—enough to leap over obstacles, complete barrel rolls, and execute controlled landings. However, without aerodynamic control surfaces like wings or rotors, the vehicle cannot generate sustained lift or maneuver through three-dimensional space over distance.

Read the original article on New Atlas.