Tesla Reveals Roadster Cockpit Interface Ahead of Public Debut

Tesla has released a new video offering a detailed preview of the touchscreen interface for its upcoming Roadster. The 34-second clip, posted on Friday afternoon, demonstrates how drivers will interact with the car's various systems, including aerodynamic settings and track telemetry. This release provides future owners with their most comprehensive look yet at the vehicle's cockpit software as it prepares for a public showing.

The video begins by displaying a 3D wireframe model of the Roadster on a black screen with red graphics, positioned next to the car's squared-off yoke steering wheel. Interacting with the digital model on screen brings up controls for the vehicle's rear wing, with options for both low drag and high downforce positions. The interface also includes a charging page with a charge limit bar and a small music player. A navigation bar at the bottom of the screen contains tabs for Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate.

A significant portion of the demonstration is dedicated to Track Mode. In this mode, the display provides a live map of the race circuit, a list of session lap times, and real-time brake and motor temperatures. It also shows pressure and temperature readings for each individual tire. A setup screen within Track Mode allows the driver to select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or a Custom aero mode. Further adjustments to aero balance and brake balance are available, and the driver can switch off both stability and traction control systems.

A status bar at the bottom of the display during this sequence shows a reading of "Thruster · 5,500 PSI" alongside a "Boost Ready" indicator. This information relates to hardware that Tesla demonstrated near Waco, Texas on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the Roadster are equipped with cold gas thrusters fed by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels, and Tesla lists 0 to 60 mph times of under 0.9 seconds and under 0.59 seconds for these models. The base Performance car instead utilizes a fan and ground sealing system to generate grip, and the aero controls shown in the video correspond to the active wings and suction setup.

The Roadster's software layout marks a departure from other Tesla vehicles. Rather than featuring a map as the central element of its home screen, the Roadster places a digital rendering of the car in the center of the display. According to Tesla's Roadster page, the main touchscreen is accompanied by two smaller forward displays. Tesla has not yet stated whether any of the Track Mode telemetry will be made available in other models, such as the Model 3 Performance.

It is important to note that the interface shown in the video could be altered before the vehicle enters production. Elon Musk stated at the October 15 event that Roadster production will begin in 2028. Tesla has also specified that the top-tier Rocket version is not approved for use on public roads. For those interested in purchasing the vehicle, reservations can be placed with a $50,000 payment. Tesla lists the Thrust version as a limited release and the Rocket version as invite only.

An opportunity to see the vehicle in person is scheduled for this weekend. According to Sawyer Merritt, the Roadster will be on display in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. This marks the first time the public will be able to view the car up close.

The display at the Petersen Automotive Museum provides a window for public access while the interface software and hardware systems continue to be refined. With Roadster production scheduled to begin in 2028, the software and systems demonstrated in this video are subject to change, but the release provides a clear indication of the telemetry and controls intended for the vehicle's operation.