Roadster Cockpit: Thruster Readiness

5,500 PSI is the figure Tesla chose to display on the upcoming Roadster's status bar, indicating the pressure of the system designed for its cold gas thrusters. The company released a brief video clip on Friday, October 23, demonstrating the vehicle's touchscreen interface and the telemetry it provides to the driver.

The footage begins with a three-dimensional wireframe of the vehicle and the squared-off yoke steering apparatus. The interface includes tabs for Home, Vehicle, Listen, Climate, and Navigate. Tesla stated in the video's caption that the system was created with a focus on the driver, drawing inspiration from the cockpit layouts of fighter jets.

A significant portion of the demonstration focuses on the Track Mode configuration. This screen displays a real-time circuit map, lap times, brake and motor temperatures, and tire pressure readings. It also allows for the adjustment of aero balance, brake balance, and the disabling of stability and traction control systems.

This software layout differs from Tesla's current production models, which typically feature a map-centered display. The Roadster interface instead places a wireframe of the car at the center of the home page. Tesla's vehicle specifications also list two smaller displays positioned ahead of the driver, in addition to the main touchscreen.

The video also details the specific capabilities of the different Roadster variants. The Thrust and Rocket versions are equipped with carbon overwrapped pressure vessels to supply cold gas thrusters, enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in under 0.9 seconds and under 0.59 seconds, respectively. The base Performance model does not have this system and instead uses a fan and ground sealing mechanism for downforce.

Tesla has not confirmed if the Track Mode telemetry shown in the video will be available in other vehicles like the Model 3 Performance. The interface may also change before the vehicle enters production, which Elon Musk has indicated will begin in 2028. Currently, reservations are available with a $50,000 payment, though the Rocket version is restricted to an invite-only basis.

The public will be able to view the vehicle in person at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles from October 24 to 27. According to Sawyer Merritt, this will be the first time the car is available for close inspection by the general public. The Rocket version is not approved for use on public roads.