Tesla reveals the driver-focused screen for the new Roadster

For prospective buyers of Tesla’s next generation Roadster, the primary change is a shift in how the vehicle’s interior information is presented. The company released a 34 second video on Friday afternoon that provides the clearest view yet of the cockpit’s digital layout. The interface is explicitly designed around the driver, drawing inspiration from fighter jet cockpits rather than following the standard map-centric design found in other Tesla models.

The software puts the car itself at the center of the home page, surrounded by a squared off yoke. Users can access controls for the rear wing, toggling between low drag and high downforce positions. A charging page is also available, featuring a charge limit bar and a compact music player. Navigation, climate, and media functions are organized into tabs at the bottom of the screen, including Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate.

The majority of the demonstration focuses on Track Mode, which provides deep telemetry for performance driving. The dashboard displays a live circuit map, session lap times, and real time data for brake and motor temperatures. It also shows pressure and temperature readouts for each tire. Drivers can adjust aero and brake balance, choose from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom modes, and switch off stability and traction controls.

This digital setup is directly linked to the hardware revealed in Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions utilize cold gas thrusters fed by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. A status bar on the screen displays the thruster pressure, showing 5,500 PSI, alongside a Boost Ready indicator. These configurations allow for 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust model and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket.

The base Performance model relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip, which aligns with the active wing settings visible in the software. Tesla has not indicated whether this specific Track Mode telemetry will be available in other vehicles like the Model 3 Performance. The interface may still undergo changes before final delivery, as the software is still being refined for the production launch.

Production for the Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028, according to Elon Musk. The flagship Rocket version is currently not approved for public road use and is available on an invite only basis. The Thrust version is listed as a limited release, while reservations are open to the public with a $50,000 payment.

The public will have its first opportunity to see the physical vehicle this weekend. The car is on display in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. This marks the first time owners and enthusiasts can view the vehicle up close before it enters production.