Porsche’s CEO Mocked Tesla’s Flying Roadster. Finally Someone From the Industry Said It

Porsche CEO Michael Leiters said in Berlin on November 11 that Porsche wants “to completely steer clear from any kind of effects and shows,” a clear shot at Tesla’s Roadster, which flipped in mid-air at its October 15 reveal. Both companies showed their next halo cars that same day: Tesla a Roadster with no price and production in “2028, actually,” Porsche the Mission S concept, which can run as a hybrid or on pure combustion.

In this article: Finally, someone from the industry said it · Ferrari gave it 10 out of 10. As a circus, sure · Tesla sells flips because the cars don’t sell · Porsche isn’t losing. The world is changing · The real innovation is in China · My bet: Porsche’s car reaches buyers before Tesla’s Roadster · If you’re thinking about a Roadster reservation · FAQ

Finally, someone from the industry said it

I agree with Porsche’s boss completely. Tesla is a show, and the more time passes, the more people see it. Honestly, the more I think about it, the less I understand why Tesla is everywhere and why everybody keeps talking about it. With the Cybertruck ending, its real business comes down to two models, the Model 3 and the Model Y. That’s it.

Now think about what Porsche is: a brand built over decades on racing, engineering and quality, not on stunts. And Tesla? Today people connect it with shows. A “flying” car we have been waiting for since 2017, now pushed to “2028, actually.” I’m 99% sure we won’t see it even then.

And look at what Tesla actually showed. Range down from 620 miles to “over 300.” Seats down from four to two. The Rocket version, the one that flips, isn’t even approved for public roads. So what does Tesla sell? A video. A clip for X. I wrote it the morning after the reveal: it’s a flip, not a car.

Ferrari gave it 10 out of 10. As a circus, sure

Ferrari’s CEO Benedetto Vigna rated the Roadster launch “10 out of 10” last month. As a show, I agree, 10 out of 10. One reader under the news put it perfectly: it was amazing the way Cirque du Soleil is amazing. But nobody drives Cirque du Soleil to work. And notice what Ferrari praised: the launch, not the car.

Tesla sells flips because the cars don’t sell

This is the part people miss. Tesla isn’t doing shows for fun. It’s doing them because the real business is falling. Tesla’s sales in China crashed 66%. The Cybertruck is ending production. In my opinion, a flying car on a ramp keeps the stock price in the air when the cars can’t.

Porsche isn’t losing. The world is changing

The Taycan fell from 41,296 sales in 2021 to 16,339 in 2025, and Porsche is going back to gasoline and hybrids. Some will call it a defeat. I don’t. The world is changing, and Porsche sees its own numbers: right now, gasoline cars simply sell better, and the moment when everybody wants to switch to electric hasn’t come yet.

The Porsche name won’t fall that easily. I’m almost sure that in a year, maybe a bit later, Porsche will show something that makes all of us say “wow,” and people will run to buy it.

The real innovation is in China

A reader under the news wrote that the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, Yangwang and Denza are generations ahead of the Taycan. I think that’s true. What China has shown lately are beautiful, truly innovative cars. In 2025, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, from a company that started out making phones, set a faster Nürburgring lap than the Taycan Turbo GT.

If the quality is as good as the looks, China will be far ahead in the next few years, and every carmaker will have to reckon with it. Until now, nobody took the Chinese car industry seriously. In my view, that time is over.

My bet: Porsche’s car reaches buyers before Tesla’s Roadster

I’m sure Porsche will show us its car first. Tesla we already know: it’s a factory of promises. If Porsche approves the Mission S for production, it will reach customers before the first Roadster reaches a normal buyer. Porsche promises less and delivers. Tesla promised this car for 2020.

If you’re thinking about a Roadster reservation

Don’t. It’s $5,000 now and $45,000 more within 10 days, with no price and no real date, and people who paid in 2017 are still waiting. If you want a fast electric car, there are real ones you can drive home today.

Also on Evolt News: Tesla Roadster Finally Unveiled After 9 Years. It’s a Flip, Not a Car · Tesla Q3 2026 Earnings: Profit Down 43%. Tesla Is Now a Factory of Promises · Tesla Roadster Event on October 15: Nine Years, Zero Cars, and Now a Weather Delay

Featured image: Porsche Mission S under the Manhattan Bridge in New York. Photo: Sqqieerqw / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).

This article is opinion.

Porsche vs Tesla Roadster: FAQ

What did Porsche’s CEO say about Tesla?

Michael Leiters said in Berlin on November 11, 2026, that Porsche wants “to completely steer clear from any kind of effects and shows,” referring to Tesla’s flipping Roadster reveal.

What is the Porsche Mission S?

A mid-engine concept positioned above the 911, with a hybrid or pure combustion powertrain. Porsche hasn’t confirmed production yet.

Is the Tesla Roadster road legal?

The Rocket version, which uses thrusters to jump and flip, is not approved for public roads, according to Tesla.

When will the Tesla Roadster be produced?

Elon Musk said “2028, actually.” Tesla has not announced a price.

How much is a Tesla Roadster reservation?

$5,000 upfront and $45,000 more within 10 days, $50,000 in total.

What did Ferrari’s CEO say about the Roadster?

Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna rated Tesla’s Roadster launch “10 out of 10.”

I read this news on Electrek.

Sources: Bloomberg, Electrek, Tesla, Porsche, Motor1.

Our Take

Porsche’s CEO said out loud what many people think: Tesla’s Roadster reveal was a show, not a product launch. Nine years after the first promise, Tesla still has no price and no production date.

Porsche is betting on hybrids and gasoline for now, while Chinese automakers build the electric cars Tesla keeps promising. The industry is changing, and stunts won’t decide who wins.