Tesla has once again raised the bar in electric vehicle performance with the release of the Model S Plaid Track Package, designed for the ultimate track experience. This comprehensive package delivers high-speed stability, maximum cornering force, and repeatable stopping power during high-performance driving while unlocking an impressive top speed of 200 mph.
Starting in June 2023, the Track Package comes with several excellent parts to make your car perform better and last longer, both on the racetrack and on regular streets:
Aluminum forged wheels: These wheels are made from strong and lightweight metal, which helps your car go faster and use less energy.
Track-ready tires: Special tires designed for better grip on the racetrack, making your car more stable when you drive fast or take sharp turns.
Brake fluid: A special liquid that helps your car's brakes work smoothly and efficiently, so you can stop quickly when needed.
Carbon-silicon carbide rotors: These are special brake discs made from a mix of materials that make them strong and good at handling heat, which helps your brakes last longer.
One-piece forged calipers with high-performance pads are powerful clamps that squeeze your brakes for better stopping power. They're made from a single piece of metal, which makes them more robust, and they have special pads for better performance.
The Model S Plaid has already been showered with accolades for its speed and performance. A quick YouTube search will reveal hundreds of videos showing the Model S leaving super cars in the dust, or blowing past cars on the Autobahn.
Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit: A Game-Changer for Braking Performance
The Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit is the heart of the Track Package, featuring continuous-fiber technology and a unique 3D matrix to add strength and manage heat more effectively. The kit includes 410 x 40mm front and 410 x 32mm rear carbon-silicon carbide rotors, 6-piston and 4-piston one-piece forged calipers with high-performance brake pads, integrated caliper-mounted parking brakes, and track-ready brake fluid. In addition, a ceramic friction layer covers the entire rotor surface to reduce brake dust, corrosion, and wear while improving the pedal feel for daily driving.
What's all that mean? The kit has big, fancy brake discs and powerful clamps that squeeze the brakes for better stopping power. There's also a special coating on the brake discs that helps keep them clean and lasts longer. This all helps make the brakes work well not only on the racetrack but also for everyday driving.
Wheel and Tire Components for Enhanced Handling
The package also features 20X10J and 20X11J Zero-G wheels with 285/35R20 and 305/30R20 Goodyear Supercar 3R tires, TPMS, Zero-G center caps, tire nut valves, and lug nut covers. These wheel and tire components have been carefully selected to enhance handling and grip, ensuring your Model S Plaid is ready for the racetrack.
Tires are essential because they are the only part of your car that touches the road. Good tires help your car stick to the road better, especially when driving fast, turning, or stopping. In this package, the special Goodyear Supercar 3R tires and other wheel parts have been chosen to ensure the Model S Plaid has the best possible grip and control on the racetrack. So, having the right tires can make a difference in how well your car performs and how safe it is to drive.
Updated Track Mode
Tesla's list of included components also lists 'Updated FW tuned for peak performance," hinting at an updated Track Mode that will give drivers more insight into how the vehicle is performing.
Tesla briefly teased the improved Track Mode feature in a video they shared on Twitter. Your vehicle's speed is now front and center on the illustrument cluster, with tire pressure appearing to the left. Tesla doesn't go into details on what's new or impoved, but it looks like Plaid owners can expect some changes to Track Mode if they have the Track Package installed.
While it is unclear if this feature will be exclusive to the Track Package or available via an OTA update for Model S Plaid vehicles, it is an exciting potential addition that could further elevate the Tesla track experience.
Tesla introduces the Model S Track Package
Tesla
The Model S Plaid Track Package is compatible with Model S Plaid vehicles produced in 2021 and later. To achieve the top speed of 200 mph, vehicles must be fitted with the Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit and proper wheels and tires. The kit is not compatible with 19" Tempest wheels but works with 20" Zero-G and 21" Arachnid wheels (sold separately). Please note that Goodyear Supercar 3R tires are not recommended for winter use or in temperatures below 40℉ (5℃).
Unleash the full potential of your Model S Plaid with the Track Package, and dominate the racetrack like never before.
Plaid Track Package in Action
Tesla let AutoTopNL have an early look at their new Track Package and below is their video review.
Ordering a New Tesla?
Consider using our referral code (nuno84363) to help support our site. Model 3 and Y buyers will receive credits toward Tesla Merch, while Model S and X buyers will receive $1,000 off and 3 months of FSD for free.
Musk believes owners will see a big improvement in Tesla's latest auto-sensing wiper updates
LegendaryOutlaw/Reddit
On the heels of last week's wiper news about Tesla's auto-sensing feature, CEO Elon Musk has proclaimed that "wipers will be super good." This declaration seems to center on the recent rollout of the Autowiper v4 system, indicating a shift away from the previously hyped 'Deep Rain' concept.
Retracing the Path to Autowiper v4
While Tesla's auto wiper system had shortcomings, the company has taken note of user feedback to refine and upgrade the technology. Musk's tweet today brings attention to this effort, sparking speculation and excitement among Tesla owners.
The Autowiper v4 is a testament to Tesla's commitment to improving its driver experience, promising to deliver more precise and responsive wiper control in various weather conditions. This development represents the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and customer experience.
Pausing the 'Deep Rain' Concept
Musk's tweet also coincides with reports that Tesla may be stepping back from its 'Deep Rain' neural net. Once touted as the definitive solution to wiper sensitivity issues, the 'Deep Rain' feature can now be disabled internally in the new FSD Beta 11.4.2 release according to Tesla hacker, GreenTheOnly.
This unexpected turn of events has caused a buzz in the Tesla community. While some express disappointment, others see it as a strategic move to streamline the auto wiper system, shifting focus to the promising Autowiper v4.
Harnessing Surround Video for Enhanced Rain Detection
Musk apologized for the past performance of Tesla's auto wipers and revealed a key update in the tweet. Tesla is transitioning from a single camera, single frame neural net to a surround video system. This means the company is compiling video from all onboard cameras into a 360-degree view, which the neural net will then analyze.
Notably, this upgrade reflects Musk's vision of fully autonomous vehicles and how they may transform car ownership. The system can gain a comprehensive understanding of its surroundings by utilizing multiple camera feeds. This move promises improved rain detection and signifies a step toward Tesla's self-driving goals.
Embracing the Future: The Role of Autowiper v4
As Tesla continues to innovate, the Autowiper v4 system could play a key role in overcoming the challenges previously faced by the auto wiper system. Integrating all onboard cameras promises a better understanding of weather conditions, potentially increasing the system's efficiency and accuracy.
While in its early days, the Autowiper v4 represents an exciting advancement in Tesla's technological capabilities. It shows that Tesla is listening to its user base and remains committed to delivering improvements and upgrades that directly address the needs and concerns of its drivers.
What the Future Holds
The shelving of the 'Deep Rain' concept and the introduction of the Autowiper v4 system marks a critical juncture for Tesla's auto wiper technology. The shift to a surround video system demonstrates Tesla's unwavering commitment to innovation and user experience improvement.
While these developments have caused a stir in the Tesla community, the real test will come when Tesla enables v4 and lets drivers experience the new system. As the anticipation grows, the spotlight remains on Tesla as we wait to see if these updates deliver on their promise. The story of Tesla's Autowiper system is far from over, and it will be fascinating to watch it unfold.
Tesla has found an interesting loophole to get around direct sale laws
Tesla
Tesla has engineered a brilliant workaround to tackle the direct sales ban instituted in several US states. This ingenious move involves partnering with Native American tribes to establish showrooms on tribal land, allowing Tesla to navigate prohibitive sales laws.
Partnering with Native American Tribes
Spearheading this innovative strategy, Tesla has announced plans to open a spacious 25,000-square-foot showroom on land owned by the Oneida Indian Nation in Madison County, New York. Set to be operational by 2025, this will be Tesla’s first direct sales facility outside the New York City area, offering a new hub for customers in upstate New York.
This savvy approach isn't new for the company. In 2021, Tesla made similar arrangements with the Nambe Pueblo tribe in New Mexico, opening a showroom and service center on tribal land to sidestep the state's restrictive sales law. This partnership benefited Tesla and provided an economic boost for the tribe.
Benefiting Both Parties
The collaboration with the Oneida Indian Nation offers mutual advantages. The agreement will facilitate Tesla's expansion, whilst the Nation will benefit from the showroom’s construction and ongoing operations, offering employment opportunities to local tribal members and residents. Tesla's committed to fostering local talent via its workforce development programs, providing members of the Oneida Indian Nation with potential career paths within the company.
Tesla's strategic move is more than just an inventive legal sidestep"it's a powerful statement in favor of sustainable transportation. Through the partnership, the company aims to increase access to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure for Nation Members and residents of Upstate New York, contributing to broader environmental objectives.
Tesla’s Stance on Direct Sales
Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has made it clear that the company prefers to sell directly to consumers, bypassing third-party dealerships. However, many states, including New York, have stringent laws that compel vehicle manufacturers to sell via dealerships. Tesla's partnership with Native American tribes serves as a compelling workaround, demonstrating the company's determination to bring its electric vehicles to as many customers as possible.
While this strategy may not be applicable everywhere, it demonstrates Tesla's ability to identify and exploit legal loopholes that work in its favor. It’s a testament to the company's relentless drive for growth, even in the face of regulatory challenges. This move sets a precedent for other manufacturers facing similar obstacles, offering a novel approach to tackle such constraints.
TeslaFi is a service that logs your drives and charging sessions so that you can later refer back to them. We highly recommend checking them out if you use your car for business trips and would like to keep track of reimbursements, if you like to see how much you spend on charging or if you just love statistics. View their about us page and see everything they have to offer!
Stay organized, connected, and stylish with Cyberbackpack — the #1 backpack, luggage & travel accessories for Tesla owners. We highly recommend checking them out if you commute or travel and would like a backpack or luggage that is sleek, secure and durable. View their products page and see everything they have to offer!
The EV Universe newsletter reports distill more than 100 EV news sources into a 10-minute read every week. We cover both Tesla and the rest of the EV industry. Join over 3,000 EV geeks like us and subscribe to the free weekly newsletter here.
Find out how to become a sponsor and have your site listed here.
Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
![Tesla Enhances Service Mode: New Features Unveiled in Upcoming Software Update [Updated]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2023/service-mode-3_300w.jpg)
![Andrej Karpathy considers returning to Tesla to work on Optimus [video]](https://www.notateslaapp.com/images/news/2022/karpathy-podcast_300w.jpg)
