Tesla Reveals Roadster Digital Cockpit

Tesla released a thirty-four second video on Friday afternoon that provides the most detailed view yet of the next generation Roadster interior. The clip, shared on the social platform X, highlights a digital interface explicitly designed around the concept of a pilot. The company stated that the cockpit layout was inspired by fighter jet design principles, marking a significant shift from the company’s current vehicle lineups.

The footage begins with a black screen featuring red graphics and a three dimensional wireframe of the car positioned next to its squared off yoke. Users can interact with the model to access specific controls. These include settings for the rear wing, offering both low drag and high downforce positions, as well as a charging page that displays a charge limit bar and a compact music player. A row of navigation tabs runs along the bottom of the screen, listing options for Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate.

A substantial portion of the presentation focuses on the Track Mode functionality. The dashboard presents a live map of the racing circuit alongside a list of session lap times. It also provides real time data for brake and motor temperatures, as well as pressure and temperature readings for each tire. A dedicated setup page allows drivers to select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aerodynamic modes. Additionally, users can adjust aero and brake balance and disable stability and traction control systems. A status bar at the bottom of the display shows a Thruster reading of 5,500 PSI next to a Boost Ready indicator.

This software integration aligns with the hardware components Tesla unveiled near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket configurations utilize cold gas thrusters supplied by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. The company claims these versions achieve zero to sixty mile per hour times of under 0.9 seconds and under 0.59 seconds, respectively. In contrast, the base Performance model relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip, which corresponds to the active wing and suction setups visible in the digital interface.

The Roadster cockpit represents a distinct departure from Tesla’s other models. Rather than centering the screen on a map, this vehicle places the car model itself at the center of the home page. The company’s official webpage indicates that two smaller forward displays will accompany the main touchscreen. It remains unclear whether the advanced telemetry features shown in the video will eventually appear in other vehicles, such as the Model 3 Performance.

Tesla has scheduled the start of Roadster production for 2028, according to statements made by Elon Musk at the recent launch event. The flagship Rocket version is not yet approved for public road use. Customers can reserve the vehicle with a fifty thousand dollar payment, while the Thrust model is designated as a limited release and the Rocket version is restricted to invite only buyers. The final interface may still undergo changes before deliveries begin.

The public will have its first opportunity to view the vehicle in person this weekend. According to Sawyer Merritt, the Roadster will be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. This exhibition marks the initial chance for the general public to inspect the car up close.