Tesla Reveals Fighter-Jet-Style Cockpit Interface for Next-Gen Roadster

Tesla has provided the public with its most detailed glimpse yet into the digital cockpit of the next-generation Roadster. On Friday afternoon, the company released a 34-second video on X that walks through the vehicle's primary touchscreen interface. The accompanying caption emphasized that the design was inspired by fighter jet cockpits, aiming to create an experience centered entirely on the pilot rather than just the passenger.

The visual presentation marks a distinct shift from the company's previous vehicle designs. Instead of the familiar map-centric layout found in the Model 3 and Model Y, the Roadster’s home screen places a 3D wireframe model of the car at the center of the display. This central model allows users to interact directly with the vehicle's features, such as toggling the rear wing between low-drag and high-downforce positions. The interface also includes standard utility tabs for climate control, navigation, and media, alongside a dedicated charging page with a limit slider.

The majority of the demonstration focuses on the vehicle's Track Mode, which is designed for performance driving. This view transforms the dashboard into a data-rich dashboard displaying a live circuit map, session lap times, and real-time monitoring of brake and motor temperatures. Drivers can also view individual tire pressure and temperature readouts. A setup page within this mode offers granular control over the car's behavior, allowing users to select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes while adjusting brake balance and disabling stability and traction control systems.

A key feature highlighted in the software is the integration of the vehicle's unique propulsion hardware. A status bar at the bottom of the screen displays a gauge reading “Thruster · 5,500 PSI” next to a “Boost Ready” indicator. This software element ties directly into the physical components Tesla showcased near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket variants of the car utilize cold gas thrusters powered by carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels, a system that contributes to the manufacturer’s claimed 0-to-60 mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds and under 0.59 seconds, respectively.

The interface reflects the different mechanical approaches used across the three Roadster configurations. While the Thrust and Rocket versions rely on the aforementioned thruster system, the base Performance model utilizes a fan and ground sealing system to generate grip. The aero settings visible on the screen correspond to the active wings and suction mechanisms that help the car generate downforce. Tesla has not yet confirmed whether this specific Track Mode telemetry will be backported to other models in its lineup, such as the Model 3 Performance.

Looking ahead, the software shown in the video may undergo changes before the car reaches customers. Elon Musk indicated at the recent event that production of the Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028. The company has also noted that the top-tier Rocket version is not currently approved for public road use. Reservations for the vehicle are currently open, requiring a $50,000 payment, with the Thrust version listed as a limited release and the Rocket version restricted to an invite-only program.

For those eager to see the physical vehicle, an opportunity is available this weekend. According to Sawyer Merritt, the Roadster will be on display in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. This marks the first time the general public will have the chance to view the car up close since its recent unveiling.