Tesla Reveals Fighter-Jet-Inspired Interface for New Roadster

Tesla has released a detailed look at the digital cockpit for its next-generation Roadster, offering future owners their most comprehensive view yet of the car's user interface. The footage, shared on the company's X account on Friday afternoon, runs for 34 seconds and highlights a touchscreen design that the company says is modeled after fighter jet cockpits. The central philosophy behind the layout is that the interface is designed around the pilot, prioritizing direct control and immediate data over traditional automotive navigation elements.

The video begins with a dark screen featuring red graphics and a three-dimensional wireframe of the vehicle, positioned next to the Roadster's distinct squared-off yoke. As the viewer interacts with the digital model, specific controls for the rear wing appear, allowing for adjustments between low drag and high downforce configurations. The display also includes standard utility pages for charging, featuring a charge limit bar, and a compact music player. A series of tabs along the bottom of the screen provides quick access to Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate functions, mirroring the general structure of Tesla's other models but with a more performance-focused aesthetic.

The majority of the demonstration focuses on Track Mode, a dedicated environment for high-performance driving. The dashboard in this mode presents a live map of the circuit, a list of session lap times, and real-time data on brake and motor temperatures. Drivers can monitor the pressure and temperature of each individual tire, while a setup page allows for granular adjustments. Users can select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes, fine-tune aero and brake balance, and even switch off stability and traction control for maximum agility.

A key element of the 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 connects directly to the hardware Tesla unveiled near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the car utilize cold gas thrusters powered by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. Tesla has cited 0-60 mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust version and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket, while the base Performance model uses a fan and ground sealing system for grip that aligns with the active wing settings shown on screen.

The Roadster's interior layout marks a significant shift from the rest of Tesla's current lineup. Instead of centering a map on the home page, the Roadster places the car model itself at the center of the display. The company's official page also indicates that two smaller forward-facing displays will accompany the main touchscreen. It remains unclear whether the detailed telemetry features seen in Track Mode will eventually be integrated into other models, such as the Model 3 Performance.

While the software shown in the video is likely representative, the interface could still undergo changes before the vehicle reaches customers. Elon Musk stated at the reveal event that production of the Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028. Tesla notes that the top-tier Rocket version is not currently approved for public road use. Reservations are currently open with a $50,000 deposit, with the Thrust version listed as a limited release and the Rocket version available by invitation only.

For those eager to see the physical vehicle, the first public viewing is happening this week. The Roadster will be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. According to Sawyer Merritt, this will be the first time the general public has the opportunity to examine the car up close.