Roadster Interface Hints at Performance Capabilities, Production Still Years Away

Tesla has released a detailed preview of the digital cockpit for its upcoming next-generation Roadster, offering the first look at the performance data the vehicle will provide to drivers.

A video posted to X on Friday afternoon by the company walks through the touchscreen interface. The graphic displays a red and black theme with a 3D wireframe model of the vehicle at its center. The caption on the post states, “Inspired by fighter jet cockpits, Roadster’s interface was designed around the pilot.” Interacting with the on-screen model brings up controls for the rear wing, allowing for low drag or high downforce positions. The screen also provides access to a charging page with a limit bar and a music player. A row of tabs at the bottom of the display is labeled Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate and Navigate.

The majority of the clip demonstrates the system’s Track Mode capabilities. In this mode, the dashboard provides a live map of a race circuit, a list of lap times for the session, and telemetry readings for brake and motor temperatures. It also displays pressure and temperature data for each of the four tires. A configuration page allows for the selection of Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes. Drivers can also adjust aero and brake balance, and turn off stability and traction control. A status bar at the bottom of the screen reads “Thruster · 5,500 PSI” next to a “Boost Ready” indicator.

The thruster gauge shown in the interface connects the software to hardware unveiled near Waco, Texas on October 15. The company’s Thrust and Rocket versions utilize cold gas thrusters fed by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. For these configurations, Tesla lists 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds and under 0.59 seconds, respectively. The base Performance model instead relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip. The aero settings available on the screen correspond to the active wings and suction setup designed to generate downforce.

The Roadster’s interface layout is a departure from other vehicles in Tesla’s lineup. While other models feature a map-centered screen, the Roadster’s home page places the car model at the center. The company’s website also lists two smaller forward displays in addition to the main touchscreen. It is not yet clear if the Track Mode telemetry will be made available on other vehicles such as the Model 3 Performance.

The software interface shown in the video may change before the car reaches customers. At the October 15 event, Elon Musk stated that Roadster production will begin in 2028. Tesla notes that the flagship Rocket version is not approved for public road use. Reservations are currently available with a $50,000 payment, with the Thrust listed as a limited release and the Rocket version available by invitation only.

The first public viewing of the vehicle is scheduled to take place this weekend. The Roadster will be on display in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27, according to Sawyer Merritt. This marks the first opportunity for the public to see the car in person.