In typical Elon Musk style, the billionaire entrepreneur has ignited enthusiasm with a daring commitment regarding Tesla’s inaugural flying car prototype. During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Musk disclosed intentions to unveil the prototype by the end of 2025, labeling it as “unforgettable.” When pressed by Rogan about the long-awaited second-generation Tesla Roadster, Musk suggested an even more ambitious project. “We’re getting close to… demonstrating the prototype,” he stated, pausing before asserting, “One thing I can guarantee is that this product demo will be unforgettable.
Unforgettable.” When asked what would make it unforgettable, Musk smiled and remarked, “Whether it’s good or bad, it will be unforgettable.” The discussion took an unexpected turn when Musk referenced his longtime associate, Peter Thiel, stating, “Well, you know, my friend Peter Thiel once reflected that the future was supposed to have flying cars, but we don’t have flying cars.” This remark sparked speculation that Tesla’s upcoming major project could be a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) vehicle, capable of flying like a drone or helicopter.
Rogan humorously inquired if the new Roadster would include “retractable wings,” to which Musk responded that he “can’t do the unveil before the unveil,” yet he assured it had “a shot at being the most memorable product unveil ever.” Musk expressed hope to reveal it “before the end of the year,” although he stressed the word “hopefully,” acknowledging his history of shifting timelines. Musk’s ambitious announcements frequently arrive ahead of the technology being ready for production — from the Hyperloop, which remains a concept rather than a reality, to Tesla’s Robotaxis, which still depend on human safety drivers despite earlier promises of full autonomy. Nevertheless, Musk appeared genuinely enthusiastic about what lies ahead.
“You know, we need to make sure that it works,” he stated. “Like this is some crazy, crazy technology we got in this car. Crazy technology. Crazy crazy.” When Rogan queried if it differed from previous announcements, Musk was candid: “It has crazy technology. Like, is it even a car? I’m not sure. It looks like a car. Let’s just put it this way, it’s crazier than anything James Bond. If you took all the James Bond cars and combined them, it’s crazier than that.” This declaration has spurred fan theories that Tesla may be preparing to unveil a futuristic hybrid between a sports car and an aircraft, potentially transforming personal transport.
Nonetheless, flying cars have been in development since the 1950s without achieving mainstream feasibility — primarily due to technical complexities, safety regulations, and the requirement for pilot licensing. Whether Musk’s prototype can navigate these obstacles remains uncertain. For now, all attention is on Tesla as it prepares for what Musk vows will be an “unforgettable” reveal — one that could either signify a groundbreaking advancement in mobility or yet another remarkable chapter in Musk’s extensive history of bold aspirations.