Tesla Roadster UI: Inside the Fighter-Jet-Inspired Cockpit

Tesla has released a detailed look at the digital cockpit of its next-generation Roadster, offering potential buyers their most comprehensive view of the vehicle's user interface to date. In a brief 34-second video shared on social media on Friday, the company highlighted a touchscreen display that eschews the traditional map-centric layout found in other electric vehicles. Instead, the interface is centered entirely on the vehicle itself, a design choice the company described as being inspired by the cockpits of fighter jets, with the layout prioritizing the driver's control over the car's performance features.

The video begins with a black screen displaying red graphical elements and a 3D wireframe model of the car positioned next to the Roadster's distinctive squared-off yoke. As the interface is navigated, tapping different parts of the digital model reveals specific controls. These include settings for the rear wing, allowing drivers to toggle between low drag and high downforce positions. The display also features a dedicated charging page, which includes a bar indicating the charge limit and a compact music player. Along the bottom of the screen, a row of tabs provides quick access to Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate functions.

The majority of the footage focuses on the Track Mode, a specialized view designed for performance driving. This dashboard presents a live map of the circuit, a list of lap times from the current session, and critical mechanical data. Drivers can monitor brake temperatures, motor temperatures, and real-time pressure and temperature readings for each individual tire. A setup page allows for granular control over the car's behavior, offering options for Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aerodynamic modes. Users can also adjust aero and brake balance, as well as disable stability and traction control systems.

A key element of this interface is the status bar at the bottom of the Track Mode screen, which displays “Thruster · 5,500 PSI” alongside a “Boost Ready” indicator. This software feature directly connects to the hardware Tesla unveiled near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the Roadster utilize cold gas thrusters powered by carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels. According to previous reports, these configurations are capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 0.9 seconds and under 0.59 seconds, respectively. The base Performance model, which lacks the rocket system, relies on a fan and ground sealing technology for grip, with the on-screen aero settings corresponding to the active wings and suction setup previously analyzed.

This new interface represents a significant departure from the standard Tesla experience. While other models prioritize navigation, the Roadster places the vehicle model at the center of the home page. Additionally, Tesla’s official website lists two smaller forward-facing displays positioned alongside the main touchscreen. It remains to be seen if any of the detailed telemetry features shown in the Roadster’s Track Mode will eventually be integrated into other high-performance vehicles, such as the Model 3 Performance.

The software displayed in the video is not final, and changes are possible before deliveries begin. At the recent event, Elon Musk stated that production of the Roadster is scheduled to commence in 2028. Tesla has also noted that the top-tier Rocket version is not yet approved for use on public roads. Reservations for the vehicle are currently open with a $50,000 deposit. The Thrust version is designated as a limited release, while the Rocket version is available on an invite-only basis.

For those eager to see the physical vehicle, the first public viewing opportunity arrives this weekend. From October 24 to 27, the Roadster will be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. According to Sawyer Merritt, this marks the first time the general public will have the chance to inspect the car up close before production begins.