Roadster HMI: Tesla Details the Pilot-Centric Interface for Its Next Flagship

Tesla released a thirty-four-second video on Friday afternoon that offers the most detailed view yet of the cockpit for its next generation Roadster. The clip, shared on the company's X account, provides a guided tour of the vehicle's primary touchscreen. In the accompanying text, the automaker described the design philosophy as inspired by fighter jet cockpits, noting that the interface was specifically designed around the pilot.

The footage begins with a black background featuring red graphics and a three-dimensional wireframe model of the car. This digital representation sits next to the Roadster's distinctive squared-off yoke. As the user interacts with the model, the system reveals controls for the rear wing, allowing drivers to select between low drag and high downforce positions. The interface also displays a charging page that includes a charge limit bar and a compact music player. A row of navigation tabs at the bottom of the screen includes options for Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate.

A significant portion of the demonstration focuses on Track Mode, which highlights the car's performance capabilities. The dashboard in this mode presents a live map of the circuit, a list of session lap times, and real-time data for brake and motor temperatures. Drivers can also monitor pressure and temperature readouts for each individual tire. A dedicated setup page allows users to choose from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes. Additionally, the system permits adjustments to aero and brake balance, as well as the ability to switch off stability and traction control.

The software interface is directly linked to the hardware components Tesla showcased near Waco, Texas, on October 15. A status bar at the bottom of the Track Mode screen displays a gauge reading Thruster 5,500 PSI alongside a Boost Ready indicator. This specific readout corresponds to the cold gas thruster system fed by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels found in the Thrust and Rocket versions of the vehicle.

Tesla has listed performance metrics for these specific configurations, claiming 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust model and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket edition. In contrast, the base Performance car relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip. The aero settings visible in the video align with the active wings and suction setup that the company has previously detailed regarding how the Roadster generates downforce.

The new layout represents a significant departure from the design language used in the rest of Tesla's current lineup. Rather than centering a map on the home screen, the Roadster places a three-dimensional model of the car at the center of the primary display. The company's product page also lists two smaller forward-facing displays that will accompany the main touchscreen. However, Tesla has not yet clarified whether the advanced telemetry features shown in Track Mode will eventually be integrated into other models, such as the Model 3 Performance.

The interface may still undergo changes before the vehicle enters full production. Elon Musk stated at a recent event that Roadster production is scheduled to begin in 2028. It is worth noting that the flagship Rocket version has not yet been approved for public road use. Reservations for the car are currently open with a $50,000 payment, while the Thrust version is listed as a limited release and the Rocket edition is invite only.

Those interested in seeing the vehicle in person will have their first opportunity this weekend. The Roadster will be on display in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to October 27. According to Sawyer Merritt, this marks the first time the general public will be able to view the vehicle up close.