This automotive news gives new meaning to off-road vehicle: Thrusters let Tesla's new sports car zip from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than a second and leave the ground briefly. That's right: The electric Roadster 2 model can safely hover off the road – a feat that sounds more like science fiction than tech truth.

At an introduction last week attended by company founder Elon Musk, the two-seat supercar hopped over other Teslas and did a roll 27 feet above the stage. Ten suction fans under the electric car keep it on the ground as it accelerates during stunts, as when it drove upside down on a curved ramp shaped like half of a roller coaster loop. (See video below.) "I'm not sure it will be legal all jurisdictions," Musk said. On social media, he posted: "Turns out the future does have flying cars."

Thrusters under the car and in the rear were developed with SpaceX, another firm the billionaire owns. Last week's media splash was at that NASA partner's rocket development and testing site in Texas. Musk said the flipping vehicle, in development for nine years, was controlled remotely "to make sure we don’t kill anyone" test-driving it.

That flying version is "not approved for public road use," says the company. A limited-edition model using two jet-like thrusters is described as "race ready," suggesting it'll be just for driving on race tracks. The less flashy base model is projected to go into production in 2028 and is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. "Many questions remain unanswered," posts Stan Schroeder, a senior editor at Mashable who lists battery size and driving range between charges as two unknowns. "We've seen it go up in the air and perform stunts, but it's unclear just for how long and how far it can fly."

Elon Musk says: "Well, it worked! It's not necessarily a safety-optimized car."

Entertainment staple: Flying cars are a popular theme in fantasy and science fiction stories. Their failure to become reality has led to the catchphrase "Where's my flying car?"

Before the Roadster: The new car sparks comparisons to imaginary airborne vehicles in "The Jetsons," an animated TV show from past decades, and "Back to the Future," a series of hit films with a time-traveling car.