TLDR
- Tesla CEO Elon Musk told Joe Rogan the company may unveil a flying car prototype before the end of 2025
- The vehicle is connected to the long-delayed second-generation Tesla Roadster, originally promised for 2020 production
- Musk described the prototype as having “crazy technology” and said the unveil would be “unforgettable”
- He referenced Peter Thiel’s comments about the future lacking flying cars as inspiration for the project
- Musk remained vague on technical details but said he’s unsure if it even qualifies as a car
Tesla CEO Elon Musk dropped hints about a flying car prototype during his Friday appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. The discussion came up when Rogan asked about the status of Tesla’s second-generation Roadster.
🚨 Elon Musk just announced a Tesla flying car — Joe Rogan Podcast pic.twitter.com/Do6Vvf4A2b
— HOTROD (@RubenRodInSa) November 1, 2025
The new Roadster was first unveiled in 2017 with a planned 2020 production start. That timeline has slipped repeatedly since then.
When pressed about the Roadster’s delays, Musk shifted the conversation toward something more ambitious. He brought up venture capitalist Peter Thiel’s observation about the future lacking flying cars.
“My friend Peter Thiel once reflected that the future was supposed to have flying cars but we don’t have flying cars,” Musk said. “I think if Peter wants a flying car we should be able to buy one.”
Musk stopped short of providing specific technical details about the vehicle. He wouldn’t confirm whether it features retractable wings or vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
The Technology Claims
The Tesla CEO characterized the prototype as containing “crazy, crazy technology.” He went as far as saying it would surpass anything seen in James Bond films.
“If you took all the James Bond cars and combined them, it’s crazier than that,” Musk stated during the podcast.
He questioned whether the vehicle even fits the traditional definition of a car. “Is it even a car?” Musk asked. “It looks like a car.”
The original Roadster ran from 2008 to 2012 before Tesla focused on other models. The company shifted resources to mass-market vehicles like the Model 3 and Model Y.
Roadster Deposit Issues
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently tweeted about difficulties getting a refund on his $50,000 Roadster deposit from 2018. This highlighted ongoing frustration among early reservation holders.
Musk acknowledged the delays by saying Tesla needs to “make sure it works.” He promised the prototype demonstration would be memorable.
“We’re getting close to demonstrating the prototype,” Musk said. “One thing I can guarantee is that this product demo will be unforgettable.”
He called it potentially “the most memorable product unveil ever.”
Musk has discussed flying car concepts since at least 2014. His track record on timelines remains mixed across his companies.
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched five years later than originally predicted. The Roadster has now missed multiple production deadlines.
Rogan’s podcast appearance provided no concrete timeline beyond “before the end of the year” for the prototype unveil. The interview offered more questions than answers about the project’s actual status.
Musk’s comments suggest Tesla views this as separate from traditional automotive development. The flying car prototype represents a departure from the company’s current vehicle lineup.
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