First Look at Tesla's Track Mode Improvements in Update 2023.12.8 [Video]

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla has added major improvements to Track Mode
Tesla has added major improvements to Track Mode
zivac87/TeslaMotorsClub

Tesla's 2023.12.8 software update introduces significant improvements to Track Mode for the Model S, including a new 200 mph top speed for those equipped with the Track Package. The update also provides various enhancements to Track Mode, benefiting all users regardless of whether they have the Track Package.

Enhanced Track Mode for Model S and X

Currently, the new software update supports the Model S, with future updates extending support to other performance models. The update offers a range of improvements for both Track Package-equipped vehicles and those using the regular Track Mode. These include user interface (UI) changes, better information access, and critical data visualization. Track mode options in the menu remain the same.

Instrument Cluster Improvements

The information displayed on the instrument cluster (IC) has changed. Tesla now displays the front and rear brake temperatures and tire pressure on the left side, with a larger central speedometer in the center. Lap information appears to the right of the speedometer.

Center Screen Improvements

The center screen in the Model S now displays more information
The center screen in the Model S now displays more information
Luiz Carvalho/Twitter

The left side of the center display now displays additional information. It hosts the g-force meter and battery visualization that used to appear on the IC, as well as more detailed temperature views for the front and rear motors and battery.

A Look at the Improvements to Track Mode

The video belows highlights the major improvements in Tesla's Track Mode.

Supporting Track Package for Even Better Performance

The Track Package, designed to enhance the Model S Plaid's track experience, unlocks a top speed of 200 mph. It includes aluminum forged wheels, track-ready tires, high-performance brake fluid, carbon-silicon carbide rotors, and one-piece forged calipers with high-performance pads.

The Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit, a game-changer for braking performance, features continuous-fiber technology and a unique 3D matrix to manage heat effectively. It 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.

Wheel and tire components are also carefully selected for enhanced handling and grip on the racetrack, featuring 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.

This software update is another step towards ensuring that Tesla drivers have the best possible track experience with their electric vehicles.

Tesla FSD in Europe: June Update

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

The road to bringing FSD to Europe has been a long and complex one and filled with regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles. Elon Musk, as well as other members of Tesla’s AI team, have previously voiced their grievances with the regulatory approval process on X.

However, it appears that there is finally some progress in getting things moving with recent changes to upcoming autonomy regulations, but the process still seems slow.

Waiting on the Dutch

Elon commented on X recently, stating that Tesla is waiting for approval from Dutch authorities and then the EU to start rolling out FSD in Europe. Tesla is focusing on acquiring approvals from the Dutch transportation authority, which will provide them with the platform they need to gain broader acceptance in Europe. Outside of the Netherlands, Tesla is also conducting testing in Norway, which provides a couple of avenues for them to obtain national-level approval.

The frustration has been ongoing, with multiple committee meetings bringing up autonomy regulation but always pulling back at the last second before approving anything. The last meeting on Regulation 157, which governs Automated Lane Keeping Systems, concluded with authorities from the UK and Spain requesting additional time to analyze the data before reaching a conclusion.

Tesla, as well as Elon, have motioned several times for owners to reach out to their elected representatives to move the process forward, as it seems that Tesla’s own efforts are being stymied. 

This can seem odd, especially since Tesla has previously demoed FSD working exceptionally smoothly on European roads - and just did it again in Rome when they shared the video below on X.

DCAS Phase 3

While the approval process has been slow, Kees Roelandschap pointed out that there may be a different regulatory step that could allow FSD to gain a foothold in Europe.

According to Kees, the European Commission is now taking a new approach to approving ADAS systems under the new DCAS Phase 3 regulations. The Commission is now seeking data from systems currently operational in the United States that can perform System-Initiated Maneuvers and don’t require hands-on intervention for every request.

This is key because those are two of the core functionalities that make FSD so usable, and it also means that there may not be a need to wait years for proper regulations to be written from scratch. Now, the Commission will be looking at real-world data based on existing, deployed technology, which could speed up the process immensely.

What This Means

This new, data-driven regulatory approach could be the path for Tesla to reach its previous target of September for European FSD. While the cogs of bureaucracy are ever slow, sometimes all it takes is a little data to have them turn a bit faster in this case.

Alongside specific countries granting approval for limited field testing with employees, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for FSD in Europe, and hopes are that a release will occur by the end of 2025. With Europe now looking to North America for how FSD is performing, Tesla’s Robotaxi results could also play a role.

Tesla Launches 'TeslaVision' Contest With Big Prizes — See Last Year’s Winner [VIDEO]

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s marketing has always been relatively unconventional, relying on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising. The passion of the owner’s community is always massive, but it is especially high now with the launch of the Robotaxi network just around the corner.

Tesla is now tapping into that spring of fan creativity and announced the TeslaVision video contest, with some seriously impressive prizes up for grabs.

The Contest

The core of the contest is simple. Create a video that shows how your Tesla gives you more in life. Tesla is looking for submissions that highlight themes of freedom, safety, fun, and convenience.

Prizes

The prizes definitely make this contest worth entering if you’re good with a camera and have some basic video editing abilities.

For North America, the prizes include a brand new Model Y AWD Long Range, alongside an all-expenses-paid trip to Austin for a tour of Giga Texas. The grand prize winner will also be able to custom order their Model Y, allowing them to select their preferred wheels and color.

The two runners-up won’t get a Model Y, but they’ll also enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Giga Texas for a tour of the factory.

The travel and tour include lodging in Austin for 2 nights, as well as economy-class round-trip tickets from anywhere in North America. Tesla will also provide a vehicle for use during the trip.

Hopefully, these winners will also have the opportunity to experience the Robotaxi network while they’re in Austin, as it’s expected to be opened to the public later this month.

Project Loveday

For long-time followers of Tesla, this contest may feel familiar. The contest is a direct throwback to the 2017 Project Loveday contest, which was inspired by a letter to Tesla from a 10-year-old aspiring marketer. That contest was won by MKBHD, with his submission below:

How to Enter

If you’re ready to start filming, here are the key pieces of information you’ll need to know:

  • Video must be 90 seconds or less

  • Video must be uploaded to YouTube with a public URL

  • Make a post on X and Instagram tagging “@Tesla” and include the words “TeslaVision contest” in the post.

  • Provide links to both social media posts in your submission to Tesla’s form

  • Provide your personal details in the form

  • You have until July 17th, 2025, or until Tesla receives 10,000 entries, whichever comes first.

You can find the official submission form and all region-specific details on Tesla's website.

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