Tesla has revealed the cockpit design of its latest generation Roadster, providing future owners with a clear visual presentation. The company released a 34-second video on the X platform on Friday afternoon, showcasing the car's touchscreen, with the caption: "Inspired by fighter jet cockpits, the Roadster interface is designed around the driver." The video opens with a black screen and red graphics, displaying a three-dimensional wireframe model alongside the Roadster's square steering wheel.
Clicking on different parts of the model reveals control options for the rear wing, including positions for low drag and high downforce, as well as a charging page that displays charging limit bars and a small music player. The bottom menu labels include Home, Vehicle, Listening, Climate Control, and Navigation.
For most of the video, the display is in track mode, showing a real-time track map, lap times, brake and electric motor temperatures, and pressure and temperature readings for each tire. The settings page allows drivers to select automatic, low drag, high downforce, or custom aerodynamic modes, adjust aerodynamic balance and brake balance, and disable stability and traction control. The bottom status bar displays "Thruster · 5,500 PSI" and a "Boost Ready" indicator. This display is connected to hardware showcased by Tesla in Waco, Texas.
The thruster and rocket versions use cold air thrusters supplied by pressure vessels wrapped in carbon fiber. Tesla lists their 0 to 60 mph acceleration times as under 0.9 seconds and 0.59 seconds, respectively, as detailed in Teslarati's analysis of the three Roadster configurations.
Roadster's cockpit design is driver-centric
The base performance model relies on fans and a ground seal system for traction, and the aerodynamic settings on the screen align with how the Roadster generates downforce through active wings and suction settings. The layout of the Roadster differs from Tesla's other models; instead of a map-centric screen design, the Roadster places the vehicle itself at the center of the home page, while Tesla's Roadster page also features two smaller forward displays alongside the main touchscreen. Tesla has not disclosed whether telemetry data from track mode will be applied to the Model 3 Performance or other models.
The interface may still change before delivery. Elon Musk stated at the event that production of the Roadster will begin in 2028, while Tesla indicated that the flagship rocket version has not yet received approval for public road use. Reservations are open with a payment of US$50,000 (approximately HK$390,000), and the thruster version is listed as a limited release, while the rocket version is exclusive to invitees. Those wanting to see the car in person will have their first opportunity this weekend. According to Sawyer Merritt, the Roadster will be displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27, marking the public's first chance to view it up close.