Warm-up
- What features would you want in a future car?
- Have you ever watched a product launch online? What was it?
- Would you try a new technology early or wait? Why?
Vocabulary
- prototype
- A first test version of a product, not yet ready for mass sale.
- demonstration
- A public show of how something works.
- remotely
- From a distance, using control without being inside the device.
- thruster
- A small rocket or jet that pushes a vehicle in a direction.
- ramp
- A sloped surface used to go up or down smoothly.
- flip
- A quick turn in the air so something goes upside down and back.
- deposit
- Money you pay now to reserve or promise to buy something later.
- variant
- A different version of a product with special features.
Reading
Listen to this story
British EnglishElon Musk unveiled Tesla's redesigned Roadster 2 at a SpaceX facility in Texas, calling it the world's first flying car. In a live demonstration, the sports car drove up a curved ramp, used suction to grip while inverted, then fired SpaceX rocket thrusters to flip, fly and land. It was controlled remotely for safety, and later used its jets to leap over a line of Tesla's existing models before accelerating from 0 to 60mph in under a second.
Musk said the prototype has altitude controls and main thrusters at the rear, so it can "basically fly like a rocket". He added that it might not be legal in every jurisdiction and that this version is not safety-optimised. Tesla also stated that flying is not permitted on public roads.
Musk had voiced scepticism about flying vehicles in 2014, but three years later he announced the Roadster 2. Production is planned for 2028, with a price above $200,000 (£150,000). A reservation site lists a £50,000 deposit for a performance model, $250,000 for a thrust variant, and a single-seat "rocket" variant with a full flight system available by invitation only.
Comprehension
- Where was the Roadster 2 shown to the public?
- What did the car do after climbing the ramp?
- How fast did it reach 60mph during the demo?
- When is the Roadster 2 planned to go into production?
- What deposits are listed for the performance and thrust versions?
Grammar focus
Mixed conditionals
Two frames: If + had + past participle → result now: would + base. If + past simple (untrue now) → result then: would have + past participle. Time words like now/today vs yesterday/last week decide. (Examples constructed.)
- If regulators had certified it, it would be on sale now.
- If it were legal everywhere, authorities would have approved it last year.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence using "would".
- If the thrusters had misfired, crews (cancel) ___ tests today.
- If it were permitted on roads, many buyers (order) ___ last week.
- If demo safety had failed, engineers (suspend) ___ trials now.
- If deposits were lower, more fans (reserve) ___ yesterday.
- If Musk had skipped rockets, the car (leap) ___ less now.
Discussion
- Should flying cars be allowed in cities? Why or why not?
- What safety rules would you expect for vehicles that can fly?
- Would you pay a deposit for new tech before it exists? Why?
- Where should companies test risky prototypes, and who decides?
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