As Tesla edges closer to officially unveiling the Model 3 Ludicrous enthusiasts and potential buyers alike are keenly analyzing every piece of information available. Amidst the flurry of images showing the new Ludicrous model in public and leaked images of the car in a display area at a Tesla facility in Malibu, California, it appears that Tesla will kick off the second quarter in style. But something else will be unveiled as well.
The presence of Tesla's head designer, Franz von Holzhausen, along with his distinctive matte black-wrapped Cybertruck in Malibu, hints at a gathering of automotive influencers and experts. This strategic gathering, further evidenced by sightings of notable figures such as Marques Brownlee and Jason Cammisa, suggests Tesla’s intention to leverage influential reviews and social media buzz to highlight the Model 3 Ludicrous upon its release.
Mysterious Technological Innovations Unveiled
Alongside the anticipation surrounding its unveiling, the Model 3 Ludicrous has sparked intrigue with the mystery of a covered item spotted on a desk beside a covered Model 3. Speculation is that this could be a new motor or an advanced technological component integral to the Model 3 Ludicrous's capabilities.
The Model 3 Ludicrous sets itself apart with significant upgrades, including a redesigned front fascia, side front bumper vents for improved aerodynamics, and new rim designs complemented by a sleek rear spoiler. These enhancements and the expected acceleration metrics that promise to surpass the previous performance model's benchmarks set the stage for what is sure to be a must-have car for the Tesla enthusiast.
Strategic Pricing and Timing
An important financial aspect has come to light courtesy of Tesla insider Sawyer Merritt. He points out a crucial consideration for U.S. customers eyeing the Model 3 Ludicrous: the eligibility for federal incentives. Specifically, Merritt notes that any electric sedan priced over $55,000 does not qualify for the coveted $7,500 Federal EV credit. This detail adds a layer of financial planning for potential buyers, as the Model 3 Ludicrous is expected to harness 2170 cells from Giga Nevada, similar to its predecessor, which could influence its qualifying status from a manufacturing standpoint.
Tesla's timing for the Model 3 Ludicrous unveiling seems strategically poised to stimulate its second-quarter sales, leveraging the heightened public interest and media buzz. The company has prepared investors for a slower year of growth, so introducing this new product aims to strengthen Tesla's market position and emphasize its role as a leader in innovation within the automotive industry.
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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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