Tesla Reveals Fighter-Jet Inspired Roadster Cockpit Interface
A new video details the Track Mode telemetry and thruster status indicators available to future owners of the high-performance vehicle.
By Lina Lewis ·
Future Roadster owners received their most detailed glimpse into the vehicle's digital cockpit on Friday afternoon, when Tesla released a 34-second video on X. The clip provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the car’s touchscreen, which the company described as being designed around the pilot, drawing inspiration from fighter jet cockpits.
The footage begins with a black screen featuring red graphics and a three-dimensional wireframe of the vehicle positioned next to its squared-off yoke. Interacting with the model reveals controls for the rear wing, including options for low drag and high downforce positions. Additionally, the interface displays a charging page with a charge limit bar and a compact music player. A row of tabs along the bottom of the screen offers quick access to Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate functions.
The majority of the demonstration focuses on Track Mode, a dedicated interface for performance driving. This view presents a live circuit map, a list of session lap times, and real-time data for brake and motor temperatures. Drivers can also monitor pressure and temperature readouts for each tire. A setup page allows users to select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes, while also providing controls to adjust aero and brake balance. Stability and traction control can be toggled off in this mode.
Along the bottom of the Track Mode display, a status bar reads “Thruster · 5,500 PSI” next to a “Boost Ready” indicator. This software element connects directly to the hardware showcased 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 lists 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust model and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket, while the base Performance car relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip.
The Roadster’s layout marks a significant departure from the rest of Tesla’s lineup, which typically features a map-centered screen. Instead, the Roadster places the vehicle model at the center of the home page. Tesla’s official page indicates that two smaller forward displays will accompany the main touchscreen. The company has not confirmed whether any of the Track Mode telemetry seen in the video will be available in other models, such as the Model 3 Performance.
The interface may undergo further changes before deliveries begin. Elon Musk stated at the recent event that production will start in 2028. Tesla notes that the flagship Rocket version is not yet approved for public road use. Reservations are currently open with a $50,000 payment, while the Thrust is designated as a limited release and the Rocket is invite-only.
Public interest in the vehicle is set to peak this weekend, as 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 marks the first time the general public will have the opportunity to view the car up close.
