Tesla Roadster Cockpit Software Debuts With Jet-Style Controls and 2028 Launch

Tesla released a 34-second video on Friday afternoon detailing the interior touchscreen experience of its next generation Roadster.

The company had previously shown the Roadster's hardware, including cold gas thrusters housed in carbon overwrapped pressure vessels, during an event near Waco, Texas on October 15. The new software reveal connects those physical components to the digital controls drivers will use. The interface was designed around the pilot, according to the caption accompanying the video on the social media platform X.

The display features a 3D wireframe of the car positioned next to the vehicle's squared off yoke. Tapping specific parts of this digital model allows users to adjust the rear wing for low drag or high downforce. A row of tabs along the bottom of the screen provides access to Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate functions. The home page centers on the car model rather than a map, a layout distinct from Tesla's other current vehicles.

The Track Mode interface displays a live circuit map, session lap times, and real time data for brake and motor temperatures. Drivers can monitor pressure and temperature for each individual tire. The setup page offers options for Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes. Users can also adjust aero balance and brake balance, or disable stability and traction control.

A status bar at the bottom of the Track Mode screen shows Thruster 5,500 PSI and a Boost Ready indicator. This telemetry corresponds to the thruster hardware shown in Texas. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the Roadster utilize these systems, while the base Performance model relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip. Previous analyses indicate the Thrust model can reach 60 mph in under 0.9 seconds, and the Rocket model in under 0.59 seconds.

Elon Musk stated at a recent event that production of the Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028. The company has not clarified if the Track Mode features will appear in other models, such as the Model 3 Performance. The Rocket version is not yet approved for public road use, and the Thrust model is designated as a limited release.

Reservations for the vehicle are open with a $50,000 deposit. The Rocket version is available only by invitation. The interface may undergo changes before deliveries begin.

The Roadster will be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. Sawyer Merritt said this event marks the first time the general public can view the car up close.