Tesla's Drag Strip Mode for the Model S and Model X Plaid
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Tesla has once again showcased its cutting-edge technology with a new video on its YouTube channel (below) featuring the impressive Drag Strip Mode. Of course, it's been around for a few years. Still, the video is a reminder of just how fast the car is launched and a testament to Tesla's technology.
Drag Strip Mode: A Brief Overview
The refreshed Model S and Model X in 2021 introduced the Drag Strip Mode, allowing drivers to experience breathtaking acceleration in a controlled environment.
Drag Strip Mode is designed to precondition the battery and drive unit for optimal performance during timed acceleration. The feature remains active for three hours, after which it times out to save energy. During this mode, the vehicle consumes more energy to maintain the battery at the ideal temperature range.
The Science Behind the Speed
Chris, a Tesla Performance Engineer, explains the mechanics behind the Drag Strip Mode. The cooling fans chill the drive units, as they generate the most power when they are at their coolest. The battery pack is also warmed up slightly to optimize its performance range.
Enabling Drag Strip Mode
The touchscreen in the Model S provides visual instructions on how to launch the vehicle using Drag Strip Mode. The steps are as follows: Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Drag Strip Mode.
Wait for the instrument panel to indicate that the vehicle is Peak Performance Ready.
Starting Cheetah Stance
With Model S shifted into Drive and at a complete stop, firmly hold the brake pedal with your left foot, then fully press the accelerator pedal. This begins to put the car into "cheetah stance."
The car enters launch mode, and the front lowers toward the ground, improving front axle traction. Instead of the front of the car lifting and losing traction off the front wheels, the "cheetah stance" holds the front of the car down, providing better grip throughout the zero to 60 acceleration.
Launching
After putting the vehicle into its "cheetah stance," continue to hold the brake pedal and wait for the instrument cluster to display "Cheetah Stance Enabled" and "Ready to launch."
Once ready, simply release the brake pedal to launch the vehicle.
It is important to note that Drag Strip Mode is intended for use on closed-circuit driving courses only, and drivers should ensure their driving style does not endanger or inconvenience others. "Cheetah stance" will also significantly reduce ground clearance.
Tesla's Drag Strip Mode is a testament to the company's continuous innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance. With this mode, Tesla owners can experience exhilarating acceleration in a controlled environment, all while showcasing the true capabilities of their Model S or Model X.
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One of Tesla’s greatest weaknesses, as it has quickly become one of the world’s most ubiquitous cars on the planet has always been service. Escalating issues to managers and sometimes even reaching a Tesla Service employee can be a total coin flip, depending on your Service Center.
Tesla is continuing its push to integrate AI across its customer support channels in an effort to improve customer service. According to Raj Jegannathan, Tesla’s VP for IT, AI Infrastructure, Apps, Infosecurity, and Vehicle Service Operations (that’s a lot), Tesla is launching a pilot program for a new AI designed to improve customer interactions with Service.
Tesla Service’s new AI Agent detects comms delays, monitors sentiment, & auto-escalates to leaders. Starts tomorrow at 10 pilot locations. In 2 weeks, type “Escalate” in ‘message center’ to reach managers. Guardrails in place to prevent abuse. We’ll keep improving!
At 10 pilot service locations, this new AI agent will begin working behind the scenes at Tesla Service, to help with customer communications. It will provide three key features:
Detect Communications Delays: The AI will actively monitor service interactions to identify potential delays in communication or progress. These are often a key pain point for customers who reach out to Tesla Service and don’t receive a response for several days, as Service has nothing new to add. The AI can now step in and let the customer know Tesla is still waiting on parts or something else.
Monitor Customer Sentiment: By monitoring the tone and content of the messages between the customer and Service agents, Tesla will be able to identify situations where a customer might be dissatisfied or facing difficulties.
Auto-Escalate: If either a communications delay or negative sentiment is detected, the AI can automatically escalate issues to human managers for review. This helps to address problems before customers need to seek escalation themselves or become upset about an issue.
Customer Escalation Requests
Alongside the new AI tool, Tesla is also introducing a more direct way for customers to get higher-level attention. According to Tesla, within the next two weeks, customers can simply type “Escalate” in order to have their issue routed directly to management.
Raj’s team is currently working on implementing guardrails to prevent abuse, but this will soon make its way to improving Tesla’s service offerings. We’re glad to see Tesla taking steps to identify and correct deficiencies in the process - it has always been a sore tooth for Tesla in the last few years.
Over at 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Tesla’s stainless steel-clad retro diner is really coming together. Most recently, we saw the gigantic 45-foot LED screens for the outdoor theater come to life, but there’s been more going on inside than we originally knew about.
Now, thanks to photos shared with us by Thomas Adamian, who ventured over to the site, we have our very first look inside the nearly completed Tesla Diner.
While we knew the concept aimed for a retro-futuristic theme, blending a diner with Superchargers and a modern open-air theater, the initial stages of the interior are well beyond a mere nostalgia project.
Interior Explored
Inside, we’ve got a seamless blend of classic circular diner-style seating accompanied by distinctly modern lighting and fixtures. This definitely brings to life that modernist art-deco feel and feels right at home alongside Tesla’s Robovan, rather than a period set-piece.
The facility is still clearly under active construction in these images, with materials and equipment visible, but they provide the best and most detailed glimpse so far of what the indoor dining experience will look like.
Front Door / Diner Logo
The circular spaceship-like entrance
Thomas Adamian
The circular entrance looks like something out of this world - and while we’re hoping the doors slide inside the walls, like a pocket door, they likely open in or out like a standard door.
This is also one of our first looks at the Tesla Diner sign, which hangs inside the doorway. The logo itself also has an art-deco look and feel. On the door, there’s also a sign confirming that the diner will be open 24/7.
Windows & Artwork
Shutters, Stealth Fighters, and Cybertrucks
Thomas Adamian
Tesla really nailed the style with the windows and shutters, matching the diner’s vibe. In the background, you can also see the concept art for the Cybertruck. We hope Tesla includes artwork for other vehicles as well, as they help tell the Tesla story and give diners an inside look at the company.
Exterior Seating
The exterior seating
Thomas Adamian
There’s also an exterior seating space, which seems to be in the early phases of being laid out. None of those pallets have been disassembled yet, but they likely have outdoor furniture, letting customers sit outside and enjoy a meal.
The Tesla Diner in Hollywood is shaping up to be much more than just a restaurant with chargers. It’ll have in-app functionality with the Tesla app and offer room for 200 diners inside, along with the ability to use a drive-in theater with in-car service. Tesla’s original plans also include rooftop seating, so there’s likely more to come once the construction phase continues.
The idea for a Tesla Diner began in 2023, when it was announced at Tesla’s Investor Day. While the diner has yet to open, it already seems like it’ll be an iconic establishment for the area. Amid recent brand turbulence tied to politics, this project has the potential to refresh Tesla’s image—offering a fun, memorable place to charge.
If there’s one thing we’re hoping for, it’s that the food matches the creativity of the design. Ideally, what Tesla is building in Hollywood becomes a blueprint for similar diners across North America—and eventually, the world.
With its unique concept and prime location, the Diner is poised to become a true LA landmark and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
![Exclusive: A Look Inside the Tesla Diner [PHOTOS]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/img/containers/article_images/2025/diner-seats.jpg/b0b4cb51b80d1f29298c9ca6b9ad2ae8/diner-seats.jpg)
