Tesla adds Track Mode for the Model S Plaid in 2021.44.30 [images, video]

January 4, 2022

By Nuno Cristovao

The Model 3 Performance model didn't include Track Mode when it was first introduced. Tesla added the initial offering of Track Mode in late 2018.

Track Mode in 2021.44.30

JbTeslaman/Twitter (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

Tesla later released Track Mode V2 as a software update.

The Model S Plaid was introduced in the summer of 2021. Similar to the Model 3, Track Mode wasn't available at launch.

With software update 2021.44.30, Tesla is rolling out Track Mode to the Model S Plaid.

Adjust Handling

Track Mode lets you fine-tune your vehicle's settings and disable or tone down certain features such as traction control.

Track Mode in the Model S offers similar capabilities to the Model 3. It lets you adjust handling, traction control, and regenerative braking.

The car will also make other adjustments. When Track Mode is enabled it will precondition the battery for peak performance and will increase brake cooling.

If the vehicle is unable to cool the brakes sufficiently, it will warn you with a 'critically high brake temperature' warning.

Track Mode in 2021.44.30

JbTeslaman/Twitter (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

Visualizations

When Track Mode has been enabled the visualizations in the instrument cluster will also change to display additional details about the car.

The visualization will show the internals of the car; similar to the charging screen. It'll display the chassis of the vehicle, the wheels, brakes, motors, and battery.

Each item in the visualization is colored to give you feedback for the specific item.

For example, the Model 3 Performance will turn each wheel green, yellow, or red depending on the wheel's traction.

There is also a visualization for G-forces that's similar to the Model 3. It'll display the direction and amount of G-forces.

Walk through the Track Mode menus

Lap Times and Recording

In addition to customizing how the vehicle handles, the increased performance cooling, and the visualizations, Track Mode also includes some additional features.

Track Mode will let you set start and finish markers on the map. When these markers are set, the car will automatically display lap timings and record each lap through the car's cameras.

The cameras used during track mode are the same ones that are available when using the Dashcam. However, when using Track Mode, the car will automatically save each lap as a separate video to your USB drive.

Presets

Track Mode in 2021.44.30

JbTeslaman/Twitter (Edited by Not a Tesla App)

When you customize the handling of the vehicle, you will also be able to save the settings and give them a name.

You can have up to 20 different presets for various conditions or events. The vehicle comes with two presets, one for racing and for drifting.

Here is a fantastic video of Track Mode in use on the Model 3 Performance.

Release Notes for Track Mode

The release notes for Track Mode in 2021.44.30 discuss some of the features available in Track Mode.

Optimize your Plaid configuration for dynamic driving exclusively on closed courses and experience the unmatched performance at many different venues. To enable, tap Controls > Pedals & Steering > Track Mode.

- Thermals: The heat pump system cools more aggressively, maximizing powertrain endurance and performance. Enable post-drive cooling to shorten wait times between sessions.

- Drive Systems: Torque vectoring authority is increased across the three motors, elevating the vehicle's agility and cornering capability. The accelerator pedal allows more precise torque control, and regenerative braking power is strengthened to recover more energy.

- Suspension: Adaptive damping reduces vehicle motions, improving handling and promoting driver confidence. Ride height is automatically set to 'Low' upon drive off.

- Display: A track-focused interface includes a lap timer, G-meter (real-time accelerometer), vehicle thermals monitor, Dashcam video capture, vehicle telemetry capture, and offers customization options.

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.