Tesla reveals the futuristic cockpit interface for its new Roadster

Future owners of the next generation Roadster now have a clear view of the vehicle's digital cockpit. Tesla released a thirty-four second clip on X on Friday afternoon to walk users through the car's touchscreen system. The company described the design as being inspired by fighter jet cockpits and stated that the interface was built around the pilot. This update offers the most detailed look yet at how drivers will interact with the car's advanced features before it reaches the market.

The video begins with a black screen displaying red graphics and a three dimensional wireframe of the vehicle next to the squared off yoke. Tapping different parts of the model reveals controls for the rear wing, which includes positions for low drag and high downforce. Users can also access a charging page that shows a charge limit bar and a small music player. A row of tabs at the bottom of the screen provides access to Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate functions.

A significant portion of the demonstration focuses on Track Mode. The dashboard displays a live circuit map alongside a list of session lap times. It also provides real time data on brake and motor temperatures, as well as pressure and temperature readouts for each tire. The setup page allows drivers to select aero modes such as Auto, Low Drag, or High Downforce, or to customize their own settings. Drivers can also adjust aero and brake balance and switch stability and traction control off.

The interface connects directly to the hardware shown near Waco, Texas on October 15. A status bar at the bottom of the screen reads Thruster 5,500 PSI next to a Boost Ready indicator. This gauge relates to the cold gas thrusters used in the Thrust and Rocket versions, which are fed by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. Tesla lists zero to sixty mph times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust model and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket model. The base Performance car uses a fan and ground sealing system for grip, which aligns with the active wing settings shown on screen.

This layout marks a shift from the rest of Tesla's lineup, which typically centers the screen on a map. The Roadster places the car itself at the center of the home page and features two smaller forward displays in addition to the main touchscreen. Tesla has not confirmed whether any of this Track Mode telemetry will appear in the Model 3 Performance or other vehicles. The interface may still change before deliveries begin, and the flagship Rocket version is not currently approved for public road use.

Elon Musk stated at the event that Roadster production will begin in 2028. Reservations are currently open with a fifty thousand dollar payment, while the Thrust version is listed as a limited release and the Rocket version is invite only. The public will have the first chance to see the car in person this weekend. The Roadster is on display in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27, according to Sawyer Merritt.