Tesla Roadster: Cockpit Controls and Thruster Specs Revealed

Tesla has finally offered the public a close look at the digital heart of its next generation Roadster.

The company released a short video on X on Friday that highlights the vehicle's unique interface design. The presentation emphasizes a pilot first approach inspired by fighter jet cockpits. This design choice sets the car apart from the standard map focused layouts found in other Tesla models. The central display features a 3D wireframe of the vehicle next to its squared off yoke. Users can tap this model to adjust the rear wing settings. These options include low drag and high downforce positions. The screen also hosts a charging page with a limit bar and a compact music player. A bottom navigation bar provides quick access to home, vehicle, listen, climate, and navigate tabs.

Track Mode offers the most detailed view of the car's performance capabilities. The dashboard displays a live circuit map along with a list of session lap times. Real time data for brake and motor temperatures are shown clearly. Drivers can also see specific pressure and temperature readouts for each individual tire. A setup page allows users to select from auto, low drag, high downforce, or custom aero modes. Further adjustments are possible for aero balance and brake balance. Drivers can also switch off stability and traction control systems. These features align with the active wings and suction setup previously discussed in technical analyses.

The software interface connects directly to the physical hardware shown earlier this month. A status bar at the bottom of the screen displays Thruster 5,500 PSI alongside a boost ready indicator. This feature is linked to the cold gas thrusters supplied by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. These components were showcased near Waco, Texas on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the car use this technology to achieve extreme acceleration. Previous breakdowns indicate these models can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 0.9 seconds and under 0.59 seconds, respectively. The base Performance model relies on a different system using a fan and ground sealing for grip.

The interior layout marks a significant departure from the rest of Tesla's current lineup. Instead of centering the home page around a map, the Roadster places a model of the car itself in the middle. Tesla's official page lists two smaller forward displays that accompany the main touchscreen. It remains unclear whether the Track Mode telemetry features will eventually be integrated into other models like the Model 3 Performance. The interface may still undergo changes before deliveries begin. Elon Musk stated at a recent event that production is scheduled to start in 2028. The flagship Rocket version is not yet approved for public road use.

Reservations for the vehicle are open with a payment of $50,000. The Thrust model is listed as a limited release. The Rocket version is available on an invite only basis. Publics eager to see the vehicle in person will have their first opportunity this weekend. The Roadster is set to be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. According to Sawyer Merritt, this event will mark the first time the general public can view the car up close.