Roadster Interface: Thruster Controls Revealed

A new look at the Roadster’s digital interface is now public, detailing exactly what drivers will see on the screen immediately before activating the vehicle's thruster system.

Tesla released a brief clip on Friday afternoon featuring a walkthrough of the cockpit display. The sequence begins on a black screen with red graphics and a 3D wireframe of the car, displayed alongside the squared-off yoke. The main menu bar lists Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate. Interacting with the vehicle model reveals controls for rear wing adjustments, including low drag and high downforce positions, as well as a charging interface featuring a charge limit bar.

The majority of the footage focuses on the Track Mode interface, which presents a live map of the circuit and a log of session lap times. The display provides real-time telemetry regarding brake and motor temperatures, along with pressure and temperature readings for each tire. A configuration page enables drivers to select specific aero modes such as Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce, or Custom, while also providing controls for aero balance, brake balance, and the disabling of stability and traction control systems. A status bar at the bottom indicates 'Thruster · 5,500 PSI' alongside a 'Boost Ready' notification.

This interface connects the software to hardware specifications Tesla presented near Waco, Texas, on October 15. The Thrust and Rocket versions are equipped with cold gas thrusters powered by carbon overwrapped pressure vessels. The company lists 0-60 mph times of under 0.9 seconds for the Thrust version and under 0.59 seconds for the Rocket version. The base Performance car relies on a fan and ground sealing system for grip, and the aero settings on screen match the active wings and suction setup. The Roadster layout differs from other Tesla models by centering the vehicle on the home page rather than a map, and Tesla’s Roadster page lists two smaller forward displays alongside the main touchscreen.

This layout could change before the vehicle reaches customers. Elon Musk stated during the event that Roadster production will begin in 2028, and Tesla notes the flagship Rocket version is not approved for public road use. Reservations are open with a $50,000 payment, while Thrust is listed as a limited release and Rocket is invite only.

Public display details have been confirmed by Sawyer Merritt. The Roadster is scheduled to be shown in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27, marking the first time the vehicle will be available for public viewing.