Ludicrous Updates Expected for Tesla's New Model 3 Performance Model

October 20, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Tesla leaked the rear badge for the new Model 3 performance

The Kilowatts

Fasten all seat belts, seal all entrances and exits, close all shops in the mall, cancel the three-range circus, and secure all animals in the zoo... Tesla's New Model 3 may be going Ludicrous! If you're not following, then you don't understand the heart of Tesla and you owe it to yourself to watch the video below; it's Spaceballs.

Since the new Model 3 was unveiled, we've speculated that a unique trim could yet be revealed. Now, thanks to Tesla fan, the Kilowatts, we may know what that new upgraded package will be - Ludicrious.

Tesla Community Spots the Parts

The Kilowatts uncovered Tesla's Parts Catalog that hints at a performance version of the Model 3, initially speculated to be Plaid. The images showcasing the rear badge and the new wheels have since been removed from Tesla's catalog, but not before fans could capture a variety of screenshots.

Tesla's Plaid versions are known for their advanced tri-motor setup, however, after a closer look at the rear badge, it doesn't seem like the Plaid logo. It does resemble when Dark Helmet orders his ship to go to Ludicrous speed. Like the movie, the image appears to be the stars streaking past.

This development aligns perfectly with Elon Musk's well-known quirky sense of humor. He did name his Space X rockets after the Millennium Falcon; he also has the Boring Company.

It also fits Tesla's lineup. The flagship, luxurious Model S and Model X have a Plaid trim. Therefore, putting the Plaid badge on the lesser, more common Model 3 and Model Y could deteriorate the exclusivity of the Plaid brand. As the Tesla Silicon Valley Owners Club has pointed out several times, Musk previously rejected a Plaid version of a Model 3. But Ludicrous is just one step down as we've already passed light and ridiculous speed.

More than Just a Badge

While the badge will look great on the back of the new Model 3, and the new logo will make for a fantastic T-shirt print, there is much more to this new level. Also spotted in the parts catalog are improved sport brakes, suspension, and unique wheels.

Model 3 Performance Motor

This latest discovery aligns well with the vehicle certifications spotted in Europe last month. The letter T appeared in documents issued by the Dutch vehicle authority RDW. This 'T' in the Model 3 Performance's VIN could indicate the motor/drive unit type.

While there was initial speculation about a potential tri-motor setup for a Plaid Model 3, regulatory filings and certification documents have clarified that the Model 3 Performance will retain its dual motor setup. Given the documented specifications, it's plausible that one of the dual motors has been enhanced, possibly to match the advanced motor found in the Model S/X Plaid. This is anticipated to boost the top-end speed and acceleration of the Model 3.

While the current Model 3 certainly isn't a Cuisinart, it does have hyperjets of its own, especially with the acceleration boost software enhancement. So this latest revelation is just one more thing to entice the current Model 3 owners to consider upgrading and more reasons for potential owners to jump into the Tesla world.

Tesla Is Now Offering Cybertruck Test Drives [List of Locations]

July 26, 2024

By Karan Singh

@brandonhd

Tesla has begun to reach out to customers in the United States and is offering demo drives of the Cybertruck on an invite-only basis. @brandonhd on X shared the first invite image, and it looks like it's going out quite quickly to multiple locations that have Cybertrucks on display.

Up until now, display vehicles have been for just that – looking, but no touching. Some Tesla delivery centers and showrooms have also allowed viewers to take a seat inside and open it up, but most are still locked away behind the velvet rope.

It’s exciting to see that Tesla has begun to demo them – and it can only be so long until demo drives open up to everyone.

Advisor-led Demo

This Demo Drive is led by a Tesla Advisor – while you’re driving, the advisor will be in the passenger seat, walking you through the experience. They’ll explain steer-by-wire, off-road controls, and will introduce new-to-Tesla buyers to all the features that are currently available.

Once FSD V12.5 comes to the Cybertruck, we’re sure they’ll be demoing its capabilities FSD capabilities as well.

Locations

The list of locations so far for demo drives appears to be fairly limited, but we will hopefully see demo drives roll out throughout the United States, and eventually Canada too. Here is the current list of city/state locations that have seen demo drive invites.

Manhasset, New York
West Covina, California
Los Angeles, California
Houston, Texas
Orlando, Florida
Westmont, Illinois
Tucson, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Delaware

Musk Confirms 'Actually Smart Summon' is Coming in a Revision of FSD V12.5

July 26, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Actually Smart Summon, the successor to Tesla’s Smart Summon feature, has been confirmed to be coming as soon as next month as per Elon Musk. Colloquially known as “ASS”, Actually Smart Summon is supposed to improve on the regular Smart Summon capabilities, which have historically used ultrasonic sensors (USS) to navigate parking lots.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon, and we’re quite excited about what other features will be unlocked once it finally shows up at our doorstep.

Vision-based Improvements

ASS is supposed to bring Smart Summon to vehicles that don’t have USS – using Tesla Vision. Most recently, Tesla has brought Autopark to vehicles without USS, and Vision-based Autopark has been a huge success. It is faster, more reliable, and smoother than the older USS-based solution. It can also park and maneuver in tighter locations.

Just recently, Tesla returned the Model X’s self-presenting doors, using Tesla Vision. Vision has seen some fantastic improvements, and many people are waiting for ASS to bring forth these improvements to Smart Summon.

Smart Summon Today

Today, Smart Summon is sometimes useful at best, usually a party trick, or downright dangerous at worst. It’s excellent and best used in straight lines, where you have a clear line of sight of the vehicle, and can stop it if doesn’t see an obstacle.

I used Smart Summon today, just before writing this article – my 2022 Model Y (with USS) – did manage to show up just fine – in a straight-line location from where I was parked, after exiting the parking spot fairly cleanly. However, I’ve previously used Smart Summon and have had the vehicle turn towards obstacles, such as cart returns or curbs. Overall, it’s a sometimes-useful feature that has a lot of drawbacks right now.

Smart Summon is also restricted to a certain distance – and it's pretty small. The max distance is shorter than most parking lots, being only about 215 ft (65m). If you’re lucky enough to park close, it's very useful to bring your car right to you.

Actually Smart Summon

ASS will bring FSD V12-like capabilities to Smart Summon – the vehicle will primarily use Vision to drive toward you (or the location you’ve indicated). ASS has been supposed to be coming since about September 2022 and has seen many delays – we’re almost at the 2-year point today.

We’re looking forward to Actually Smart Summon being able to bring the vehicle – safely – right to you. ASS is also one of the key steps towards bringing some other cool features that Elon Musk has previously mentioned – Park Seek and Banish Autopark.

We’re also hopeful that Actually Smart Summon will increase the maximum range a vehicle can be summoned, because the current range is fairly small. Alongside Park Seek and Banish Autopark, we’re closing in on a Robotaxi-based future.

Park Seek and Banish Autopark

When the FSD v12.4 showed up, Elon also mentioned that going forward, vehicles would automatically park themselves when arriving in a parking lot – Park Seek – and that if you got out of the car at the entrance to a business, you could get it to automatically park itself in the parking lot – Banish Autopark. These are two features that are needed for Robotaxi to work – which itself is delayed to October 10^th of this year. We’re looking quite forward to them – as in combination with Actually Smart Summon, Tesla has reached the cusp of vehicle autonomy.

A vehicle that arrives, driverless, at the location you’re at, then drives somewhere, parks itself there, and waits for you – is the definition of a Robotaxi.

While we’re likely to have to wait for Banish Autopark and Park Seek just a bit longer, Actually Smart Summon being around the corner is exciting! Gone will be the days of having to run out to your car when you forgot your umbrella – your car will just come right to you instead.