There’s the old saying that loose lips sink ships; lucky that’s not true for Tesla. With eyes and ears everywhere, the Tesla Community has gathered more information about the soon to be released, Model 3 Ludicrous. Yes, Ludicrous, not Performance, as we’ve all but confirmed for weeks. But this leak is more than just the new name and badge.
A source spoke to VehicleSuggest and proved their credibility by producing what appears to be the new Ludicrous badge. We saw the same badging on the cars used in a promotional shoot in Spain.
The insider, apparently from Tesla's China Research and Development team, told the website that the 20 engineers from the Fremont factory recently visited Tesla’s China facilities to discuss and fix any issues with the Model 3 Ludicrous. The car has been spotted around California for more than a month, with its giveaway disguise of capes on the front and back. Presumably, the testing has revealed a few more issues that must be combed through. Problems that have been identified include integrating a new motor system and fine-tuning the new suspension system.
Two or Three Motors?
The 2024 Model 3 was recently featured on Jay Leno’s Garage. Leno, a long-time Model S owner, was impressed by the new model, praising its design by saying, “It’s really perfect. I actually love the size of this.” When Lars Moravy inquired if Leno had any interest in purchasing one, Leno expressed enthusiasm for a triple-motor version, noting, “I tell you, this with a triple engine in it would be a killer. It would be lighter than the S, and it would be faster.” However, Moravy pointed out the potential challenges in accommodating such an upgrade, responding, “It would be fun, man, but it would be hard to fit.”
It appears the triple motor is not happening. The insider stated that the Model 3 Ludicrous will feature a dual-motor setup with improved performance. Although the exact performance metrics remain under wraps, the anticipation is that it will surpass the already impressive acceleration of the Model 3 Performance variant, which reaches 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds.
Release Date
According to the insider, the launch of this high-performance variant is targeted for May, with a simultaneous reveal in both the USA and China. By the way, Leno wanted Lars to state the horsepower on the new Model 3. He says it is 400 horsepower for the dual-motor variant (updated). Imagine a 600-horsepower Model 3? That is Ludicrous. However, with all signs pointing to two motors, it will be interesting to see what Tesla does to improve this already awesome car.
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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.
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.
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.
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 10th 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.
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