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Inside the new Tesla Roadster: a fighter-jet style screen, Track Mode and stunts the car does by itself3 min

Inside the new Tesla Roadster: a fighter-jet style screen, Track Mode and stunts the car does by itself

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A new Tesla video shows the Roadster's cockpit software, from aero settings to a thruster pressure readout. Musk says owners will be able to let the car perform its stunts autonomously, and promises a looping test track in Texas.

Eight days after Tesla unveiled its next-generation Roadster near Waco, Texas, the company has shown what drivers will actually look at from behind the wheel. In a 34-second video posted on X on Friday afternoon, October 23, Tesla walked through the car's centre touchscreen. Its caption said the interface was inspired by fighter jet cockpits and "designed around the pilot".

The video adds to comments Elon Musk made last weekend about what owners will be able to do with the car, including letting it perform stunts on its own.

A screen built around the car, not the map

Most Tesla screens are centred on a large navigation map. The Roadster's home screen is different. According to Teslarati, it opens on a black background with red graphics and a 3D wireframe model of the car, next to a squared-off yoke.

  • Car controls: tapping parts of the 3D model opens settings such as the rear wing, with low-drag and high-downforce positions.
  • Charging and media: a charging page shows a charge-limit bar and a small music player.
  • Navigation tabs: along the bottom are Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate and Navigate.
  • Extra displays: two smaller screens sit in front of the driver alongside the main touchscreen.

Track Mode and the thruster readout

The most interesting part is Track Mode. It shows a live map of the circuit, a list of lap times, brake and motor temperatures, and pressure and temperature for each tyre. A setup page lets the driver choose between Auto, Low Drag, High Downforce and Custom aerodynamic modes, adjust aero and brake balance, and switch off stability and traction control.

A status bar at the bottom of the screen reads "Thruster · 5,500 PSI" next to a "Boost Ready" indicator. That refers to the cold-gas thrusters on the Thrust and Rocket versions, which are fed by carbon-overwrapped pressure vessels. The video does not show how the thrusters are activated or what safety checks come first.

Stunts on autopilot, and a looping track

On Saturday, October 17, Musk replied on X to tech blogger Robert Scoble, who had argued that the Roadster's driver is not really driving because steering, braking and acceleration are all by wire. Musk agreed and went further: owners will be able to ask the car to perform any of the tricks shown at the unveiling by itself, because it will be "sentient". He did not explain what he meant by that.

He also said Tesla will build "a wild looping track (crazier even than Hot Wheels)" at its headquarters in Texas, where owners can test their cars. There is no timeline for the autonomous stunts and no size, location or opening date for the track.

The basics, as they stand

  • Three versions: Performance (road car, using a fan and ground-sealing system for grip), Thrust (limited release, with thrusters) and Rocket (invite only).
  • Acceleration: Tesla lists 0 to 60 mph in under a second for the thruster versions.
  • Road use: Tesla says the Rocket version is not approved for public roads.
  • Reservations and timing: reservations are open with a $50,000 payment, and Musk says production starts in 2028.

For anyone in Los Angeles, the car is on display in the lobby of the Petersen Automotive Museum from October 24 to 27.

Why it matters, and what to watch

The software preview shows that Tesla is treating the Roadster as a track tool with its own interface, not just a fast Model S with a new body. Track telemetry and adjustable aero are features that serious sports car buyers expect.

The autonomous stunt idea is a different matter. It raises obvious questions about safety, insurance and where such tricks would be allowed, and Musk has offered no details. Watch for final specifications and pricing, any information on how the thrusters will be approved for road cars, and whether Tesla's looping track moves beyond a social media post.

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