Tesla reveals Roadster cockpit design

In a 34-second video published on October 23, 2026, Tesla showcased the cockpit of the Tesla Roadster, emphasizing a design inspired by fighter jets with a hypnotic black and red screen at its center. The video highlights features such as SpaceX thrusters, active aerodynamics, and track telemetry, redefining the concept of a sporty interior.

Thrust prototype displayed at museum

The American manufacturer also highlighted the appearance of the Thrust prototype at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, where the 2028 Roadster was on display as a static demonstrator for four days. First presented in 2017, this two-seater coupé is still aiming for production in 2028. Some customers have already paid up to $250,000, or approximately €235,000, to reserve it. This screen with an aerospace appearance becomes almost their first real contact with the future car.

Cockpit design mimics fighter jets

The staging of the cockpit recalls the screens of modern fighters, with a black background, red lines, and white reflections. In the center, a 3D wireframe model of the Roadster floats like a digital model and serves many settings. Nic Cruz Patane noted that the interface is designed internally and resembles a science fiction film, giving it a cinematic look intended to impress.

Interior details and cockpit features

The interior described by Tesla mixes Ultrawhite interior and gray micro-suede inserts. The Yoke steering wheel is associated with a cable steering system, reinforcing the impression of a cockpit. On the upper part of the screen, classic driving information is displayed, including the P, R, N, D selector, battery level, and time. In the center, the 3D model serves as an interface to control the rear wing and visualize the cold gas thrusters. In the lower part, the user accesses the Home, Vehicle, Media, Climate, and Navigation menus, with an integrated multimedia player.

Thruster pressure and performance

A detail of the interface indicates "Thruster • 5,500 PSI" and the "Boost Ready" indicator, corresponding to a pressure of about 5,500 PSI, or nearly 379 bars on the gas circuit. These cold gas thrusters are associated with the Roadster Thrust, a version that adds nozzles to the rear, aiming for less than a second from 0 to 60 miles per hour, or approximately 97 km/h. The Rocket version places thrusters all around the vehicle, allowing for lateral rotation movement and the ability to fly, though Tesla specifies that this version is not approved for use on public roads.

Active aerodynamics and track mode

The other major family of settings involves the rear wing and active aerodynamics. From the digital representation of the car, the driver chooses between three wing positions: "Stowed," "Low drag," and "High downforce." This multi-mode suction system acts like a downforce generator by suctioning air under the vehicle. Tesla claims it provides sufficient suction to keep the car upside down, even when stopped. Motorized fans and active wings then optimize traction and speed in turns. In track mode, the driver can lower the vehicle and choose between high downforce or low drag, as well as modify the braking distribution and disable certain electronic aids.