Tesla Reveals Roadster Cockpit Interface and Thruster Status Display

The cockpit of the next generation Roadster is designed to function less like a traditional car interior and more like the flight deck of a fighter jet. Tesla released a thirty-four second video on Friday afternoon that provides the most detailed look yet at the vehicle's touchscreen interface. The company stated in the accompanying caption that the design philosophy places the pilot at the center of the experience. This digital layout prioritizes performance data and aerodynamic controls over standard navigation or media features, signaling a distinct departure from the software found in other models within the brand's lineup.

The video begins with a black screen featuring red graphics and a three dimensional wireframe of the car positioned next to its squared off yoke. Interacting with the digital model reveals specific controls for the rear wing, offering both low drag and high downforce configurations. The interface also includes a charging page with a limit bar and a compact music player. A row of tabs along the bottom of the screen provides access to Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate functions, creating a streamlined menu system for the driver.

A significant portion of the footage focuses on Track Mode, which displays a live map of the circuit alongside a list of session lap times. The dashboard monitors critical mechanical data, including brake and motor temperatures, as well as individual pressure and temperature readouts for each tire. The setup page allows drivers to select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes. It also permits adjustments to aero and brake balance, with the ability to completely disable stability and traction control systems.

At the bottom of the Track Mode screen, a status bar displays a reading of five thousand five hundred PSI for the thruster system, next to a Boost Ready indicator. This software element directly connects to the hardware demonstrated near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the car utilize cold gas thrusters powered by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. Tesla claims these configurations achieve zero to sixty mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds and under 0.59 seconds, respectively, while the base Performance model relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip.

The Roadster's user interface marks a clear break from the company's current vehicles, which typically feature a map centered on the main display. Instead, the Roadster places a digital representation of the car itself at the center of the home page. The official product page lists two smaller forward displays flanking the primary touchscreen, though Tesla has not confirmed whether this specific telemetry layout will appear in other models like the Model 3 Performance. The software remains subject to change prior to delivery.

Elon Musk indicated at a recent event that production of the Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028. The company notes that the flagship Rocket version has not yet received approval for public road use. Customers can currently reserve a spot with a $50,000 payment, while the Thrust version is described as a limited release and the Rocket version is available on an invite only basis. Publics interest in the vehicle continues to build as details emerge.

For those eager to see the physical vehicle, the first public viewing opportunity is available this weekend. The Roadster is scheduled to be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 through October 27. According to Sawyer Merritt, this marks the initial chance for the general public to view the car up close before it moves into its production phase.