Tesla Reveals Roadster Cockpit Interface Ahead of Public Debut

Future owners of the Tesla Roadster now have a clearer view of what they will see on the car’s main screen. The company released a short video on Friday afternoon that walks through the cockpit interface. This marks the most detailed look yet at the digital dashboard for the next-generation model. The clip is available on the company’s social media channels.

The software design is heavily inspired by fighter jet cockpits. Tesla described the interface as being built around the pilot. The video opens with a black screen featuring red graphics and a 3D wireframe of the vehicle. This model sits next to the car’s squared-off steering yoke. Tapping different parts of the digital model brings up specific controls.

Drivers can manage the rear wing settings through this interface. Options include low drag and high downforce positions. The screen also displays a charging page with a limit bar and a small music player. A row of tabs runs along the bottom of the display. These tabs are labeled Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate.

The majority of the footage focuses on Track Mode. The dashboard displays a live map of the circuit and a list of session lap times. It also shows brake and motor temperatures. Real-time readouts for pressure and temperature are provided for each individual tire. A setup page allows the driver to select specific aero modes. These include Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom settings.

Drivers can adjust aero balance and brake balance through the screen. They can also switch off stability and traction control. A status bar at the bottom of the display provides critical hardware information. It reads “Thruster · 5,500 PSI” next to a “Boost Ready” indicator. This software feature connects directly to the physical hardware shown earlier this month.

The hardware was unveiled near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the car use cold gas thrusters. These are fed by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. Tesla lists 0 to 60 mph times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust model. The Rocket version claims a time under 0.59 seconds. The base Performance car uses a fan and ground sealing system for grip instead.

This layout differs significantly from the rest of Tesla’s current lineup. Standard Tesla cars center a map on the main screen. The Roadster places the car model at the center of the home page. The company’s website lists two smaller forward displays alongside the main touchscreen. It remains unclear if this specific telemetry data will appear in other vehicles like the Model 3 Performance.

The interface may still change before cars reach customers. Elon Musk stated that production will begin in 2028. Tesla notes that the flagship Rocket version is not yet approved for public road use. Reservations are currently open with a $50,000 payment. The Thrust version is listed as a limited release, while the Rocket is invite-only.

The public will get their first chance to see the car in person this weekend. The Roadster will be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. According to Sawyer Merritt, the display runs from October 24 to 27. This is the first time the general public can view the vehicle up close.