Tesla Unveils Fighter-Jet Style Cockpit for 2028 Roadster Debut

Tesla has released the most detailed look yet at the interior digital interface for its next-generation Roadster, giving prospective buyers a direct view of the cockpit controls before the vehicle enters production. The automaton posted a 34-second walkthrough on X on Friday afternoon, showcasing a touchscreen design that the company describes as being inspired by fighter jet cockpits and built around the concept of the driver as a pilot.

The video begins with a black screen featuring red graphics and a 3D wireframe model of the car positioned next to the Roadster’s distinctive squared-off yoke. Users can interact with the model to access specific controls, including settings for the rear wing’s low-drag and high-downforce positions. The interface also displays a charging page with a charge limit bar and a compact music player, while a row of navigation tabs at the bottom includes Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate.

A significant portion of the demonstration focuses on the car's Track Mode. This view presents a live circuit map alongside a list of session lap times. Drivers can monitor critical mechanical data, including brake and motor temperatures, as well as individual pressure and temperature readouts for each tire. A dedicated setup page allows users to select from Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom aero modes, while also providing sliders to adjust aero and brake balance. Additionally, the interface offers the ability to switch off stability and traction control systems for maximum performance.

Running along the bottom of the Track Mode display is a status bar that highlights the vehicle's unique propulsion hardware. It reads “Thruster · 5,500 PSI” next to a “Boost Ready” indicator, directly linking the software interface to the physical components Tesla revealed near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions of the Roadster utilize cold gas thrusters powered by carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels.

These technical details align with the performance metrics Tesla has previously outlined. The company lists 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust model and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket version. In contrast, the base Performance variant relies on a fan and ground sealing system to generate grip. The on-screen aero settings correspond to the active wings and suction setup that Tesla detailed in its analysis of how the Roadster generates downforce.

The Roadster’s user interface represents a significant departure from the design language found in the rest of Tesla’s current lineup. Instead of centering the navigation map, the Roadster’s home page places the 3D model of the car itself at the center. Tesla’s official Roadster page also indicates that the vehicle features two smaller forward-facing displays positioned alongside the main central touchscreen. However, the company has not yet confirmed whether the advanced Track Mode telemetry will be rolled out to other models, such as the Model 3 Performance.

Potential buyers should note that the interface shown in the video may undergo changes before the car reaches customers. Elon Musk stated at the October event that production for the Roadster is scheduled to begin in 2028. Tesla has clarified that the flagship Rocket version is not yet approved for public road use. Reservations are currently open with a $50,000 payment, while the Thrust model is designated as a limited release and the Rocket is available on an invite-only basis.

For those in California eager to see the vehicle in person, an opportunity arises this weekend. The Roadster will be displayed in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 through October 27. According to Sawyer Merritt, this exhibition marks the first time the general public will have the chance to view the car up close.