Tesla Reveals the Fighter-Jet Style Interface for Its New Roadster

Tesla has finally pulled back the curtain on what drivers will see inside the next-generation Roadster.

In a brief video released on Friday, the company offered the clearest look yet at the vehicle's digital cockpit, which is built around a design philosophy inspired by fighter jet cockpits. The footage, which runs for just 34 seconds, guides viewers through the main touchscreen and the various controls available to the driver. The interface is centered on a 3D wireframe of the car, positioned next to the vehicle’s squared-off yoke. Tapping different areas of this digital model brings up specific controls, including options for the rear wing. Drivers can toggle between low drag and high downforce positions directly from this view. The screen also features a charging page with a limit bar and a small music player, all accessible through a row of tabs at the bottom labeled Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate.

The bulk of the demonstration focuses on the vehicle's Track Mode, which is designed for high-performance driving. In this mode, the dashboard transforms to display a live map of the circuit, a list of session lap times, and detailed telemetry. This includes real-time readings for brake and motor temperatures, as well as pressure and temperature data for each individual tire. A dedicated setup page allows the driver to fine-tune the car’s handling. Users can select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes, and adjust both aero balance and brake balance. For those wanting a more raw driving experience, the interface also provides the option to switch off stability and traction control.

A key feature highlighted in the video is the status bar at the bottom of the screen, which displays 'Thruster · 5,500 PSI' next to a 'Boost Ready' indicator. This software element directly ties into the hardware Tesla showcased near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the Roadster utilize cold gas thrusters fed by carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels. According to recent breakdowns of the three configurations, these models are listed with 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust version and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket. In contrast, the base Performance model relies on a fan and ground sealing system to generate grip, with its on-screen aero settings matching the active wing and suction setup previously detailed.

The layout of the Roadster’s cockpit marks a significant departure from the rest of Tesla’s current lineup. Instead of centering a map on the main screen like other models, the Roadster places the digital representation of the car itself at the center of the home page. Tesla’s official Roadster page also lists two smaller forward-facing displays that work alongside the primary touchscreen. It remains unclear whether any of the advanced Track Mode telemetry seen in the video will eventually make its way to other vehicles, such as the Model 3 Performance.

While the interface provides a clear picture of the driving experience, it could still undergo changes before the cars reach customers. Elon Musk stated at a recent event that production of the Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028. It is also worth noting that Tesla says the flagship Rocket version is not currently approved for public road use. Reservations for the vehicle are currently open, requiring a $50,000 payment. The Thrust model is listed as a limited release, while the Rocket is available on an invite-only basis.

For those eager to see the physical vehicle rather than just the digital interface, there is an upcoming opportunity in Los Angeles. The Roadster will be on display in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum from October 24 to October 27. This event, confirmed by Sawyer Merritt, represents the first time the public will be able to view the car up close before it enters the production phase.