Roadster Cockpit: Tesla Reveals Jet Style Controls
The interface displays live thruster pressure and track telemetry, with public viewing at the Petersen Museum starting Friday.
By Samir Doyle ·
Tesla released a 34 second video on Friday afternoon that shows the interior software for its next generation Roadster. The footage highlights a user interface designed to mimic the cockpit of a fighter jet. The company stated in the video caption that the layout is built around the pilot rather than a standard passenger experience.
The screen features a 3D wireframe model of the car in the center of the display. This model sits next to the vehicle's squared off yoke. Users can tap specific parts of the digital car to control the rear wing. Options include low drag and high downforce positions. The interface also includes a charging page with a limit bar and a music player. Navigation tabs for Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate appear along the bottom of the screen.
A major portion of the demonstration focuses on Track Mode. This view displays a live map of the circuit and a list of session lap times. The dashboard shows real time data for brake and motor temperatures. It also provides specific pressure and temperature readouts for each individual tire. Drivers can select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes on the setup page. They can also adjust aero and brake balance. The system allows drivers to switch off stability and traction control.
A status bar at the bottom of the Track Mode screen displays the text Thruster 5,500 PSI. It also shows a Boost Ready indicator. This software feature connects to the hardware Tesla showcased near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the car use cold gas thrusters. These components are supplied by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels.
Previous breakdowns of the three Roadster configurations indicate the Thrust model reaches 0 to 60 mph in under 0.9 seconds. The Rocket model reaches that speed in under 0.59 seconds. The base Performance model uses a fan and ground sealing system for grip. The aero settings visible on the screen align with the active wings and suction setup described in earlier analyses of the car's downforce generation.
The interior layout differs from the rest of Tesla's current lineup. The home page centers on the car model instead of a map. Tesla's official page lists two smaller forward displays that accompany the main touchscreen. The company has not yet said if Track Mode telemetry will appear in other models, such as the Model 3 Performance.
The interface may change before deliveries begin. Elon Musk stated at a recent event that production is scheduled to start in 2028. Tesla noted that the flagship Rocket version is not yet approved for public road use. Reservations are open with a payment of $50,000. The Thrust model is listed as a limited release. The Rocket version is available on an invite only basis.
The general public can view the vehicle in person this weekend. The Roadster is set to be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. Sawyer Merritt said this event marks the first time the public can view the car up close.
