Tesla reveals the fighter-jet inspired dashboard for its new Roadster

Tesla has provided the public with its most comprehensive look yet at the interior technology of the next-generation Roadster. The company released a short video on Friday afternoon that details the specific user interface drivers will encounter on the vehicle's touchscreen.

The thirty-four-second clip, posted to the social media platform X, features a caption stating that the design is inspired by fighter jet cockpits. It emphasizes that the interface is built specifically around the pilot. The footage begins with a black background featuring red graphics and a three-dimensional wireframe of the car positioned next to the vehicle's squared-off yoke steering control.

Viewers are shown how tapping different parts of the digital car model brings up various 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 navigation tabs at the bottom of the screen includes options for Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate.

The majority of the video focuses on the Track Mode features. This view presents a live map of the circuit, a list of session lap times, and real-time data for brake and motor temperatures. It also shows pressure and temperature readings for each individual tire. A dedicated setup page allows the driver to select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes.

Drivers can further customize their experience by adjusting aero and brake balance, and by disabling stability and traction control systems. A status bar along the bottom of the screen displays the text “Thruster · 5,500 PSI” alongside a “Boost Ready” indicator. This software element connects directly to the hardware components Tesla showcased earlier in October.

The Thrust and Rocket versions of the Roadster utilize cold gas thrusters powered by carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels. Tesla has listed 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 version, however, uses a fan and ground sealing system for grip, with on-screen aero settings corresponding to its active wings and suction setup.

This cockpit layout marks a significant departure from other Tesla vehicles. Instead of centering a map, the Roadster places the car itself at the center of the home page. The company’s website lists two smaller forward displays alongside the main touchscreen, though it has not confirmed if this telemetry will appear in other models like the Model 3 Performance. Elon Musk has stated that production is expected to begin in 2028.

Reservations are currently open with a $50,000 payment. The Thrust version is described as a limited release, while the Rocket version, which is not yet approved for public road use, is invite-only. For the first time, the public can view the car in person at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27.