Tesla Reveals Roadster Cockpit Interface for Upcoming 2028 Release

Tesla provided the clearest view yet of the interior technology in its upcoming next generation Roadster.

The automaker shared a 34 second video on X on Friday afternoon that walks through the vehicle's main touchscreen. The caption for the clip stated that the interface was designed around the pilot and was inspired by fighter jet cockpits. The footage begins with a black screen featuring red graphics and a 3D wireframe of the car. This model sits next to the Roadster's squared off yoke.

Users can tap different parts of the digital car model to access specific controls. These include settings for the rear wing, such as low drag and high downforce positions. The interface also displays a charging page with a charge limit bar and a small music player. A row of tabs along the bottom of the screen provides quick access to Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate functions.

A significant portion of the demonstration focuses on the Track Mode. In this view, the dashboard presents a live circuit map alongside a list of session lap times. Drivers can monitor brake and motor temperatures as well as pressure and temperature readouts for each tire. A setup page allows the driver to select Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes. They can also adjust aero and brake balance and switch stability and traction control off. A status bar at the bottom of the screen displays Thruster · 5,500 PSI next to a Boost Ready indicator.

This software feature connects directly to the hardware Tesla revealed near Waco, Texas on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the car use cold gas thrusters that are fed 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 model. The base Performance car relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip. The aero settings shown on the screen align with the active wings and suction setup used to generate downforce.

The Roadster's layout differs significantly from the rest of Tesla's current lineup. Instead of centering a map on the home screen, the Roadster places the digital car model at the center. Tesla's official Roadster page lists two smaller forward displays that sit alongside the main touchscreen. The company has not yet confirmed whether any of the Track Mode telemetry features will be added to the Model 3 Performance or other vehicles in the future.

The user interface may still undergo changes before deliveries begin. Elon Musk stated at the October event that Roadster production will start in 2028. Tesla notes that the flagship Rocket version is not approved for public road use. Reservations are currently open with a $50,000 payment. The Thrust model is listed as a limited release, while the Rocket version is available by invitation only.

Members of the public can see the physical car for the first time 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 people to view the vehicle up close.

Further updates on the vehicle's final specifications and software features are expected as the 2028 production start date approaches.