Tesla CEO Elon Musk has unveiled a new rocket-powered Roadster that can fly, flip in the air and accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in a claimed 0.81 seconds.

The electric sports car was unveiled on Thursday at a SpaceX facility in McGregor, Texas, after nearly a decade of delays. Musk said production is planned to begin in 2028.

The unveiling attracted Tesla fans, including some buyers who paid $250,000 deposits about nine years ago to secure the vehicle.

During the demonstration, the Roadster drove upside down, jumped over a line of Tesla vehicles and performed an aerial flip using technology developed with SpaceX.

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Musk said the car uses compressed-air thrusters and a special fan system beneath its body to improve grip and allow it to perform unusual movements.

“You can corner like it looks like you’re breaking physics because the car sticks to the ground so hard,” Musk said, adding that its acceleration and cornering abilities could break existing track records.

However, questions remain over whether the vehicle will be approved for use on public roads in every country.

Musk acknowledged the challenge, telling the audience: “This will be an actual car that’s on the roads.”

He later added: “I’m not necessarily sure it’s legal in all jurisdictions. But there will be such a car that someone can own.”

The comments raise questions about how the car’s unusual features will meet road safety and regulatory requirements, particularly in countries where vehicles must satisfy strict standards before they can be driven legally.

Tesla’s vice-president of vehicle engineering, Lars Moravy, described the demonstration as proof of the car’s capabilities.

“Flying cars are real,” he said after the vehicle completed its first airborne stunt.

Musk also admitted that the demonstration carried some risks before it began.

“Success is not guaranteed,” he told the audience, adding, “It’ll probably work, but if it doesn’t work, we’re at a safe distance.”

Tesla claims the Roadster can reach a top speed of 230 miles per hour, or about 370 kilometres per hour.

The company has yet to announce the price of the production model or disclose its battery capacity.