Tesla Model X Plaid to Gain Track Mode Says Musk

May 19, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

The Model X Plaid will soon get Track Mode, according to Elon Musk

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Tesla's Model X Plaid has long been celebrated for its unrivaled speed and innovation. Boasting a breathtaking 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds, it is a testament to the extraordinary power of electric technology. This seven-seater SUV not only holds its own against the fastest of sports cars but even outperforms many on the quarter-mile drag strip.

Track Mode: A Revolution in Electric Vehicle Racing

Yet, there's been something missing from the Model X Plaid's toolkit: Track Mode. Track Mode takes the electric racing experience to an all-new level, enabling EVs to withstand the rigors of high-intensity track driving. Following its successful rollout on the Model 3 Performance and then the Model S Plaid, and more recently the Model Y Performance, the question was inevitable: when would the Model X Plaid get its turn?

Elon Musk's Vision: More Power for the Model X Plaid

During the recent 2023 Annual Shareholder Meeting, Tesla CEO Elon Musk gave a definitive answer to this question, confirming that Track Mode would indeed be coming to the Model X Plaid. Responding to a shareholder's query, Musk commented, "Yeah, we could probably add that, sure. No problem." This candid statement was met with enthusiastic approval from the audience.

Track Mode Improvements

Tesla recently made big improvements to Track Mode for the Model S Plaid, showing more information and making critical information front and center.

The speedometer is now large and centered on the instrument cluster, and the battery and motor temperatures are now more detailed and have moved over to the center display. In addition to those changes, Tesla is now displaying additional information such as front and rear brake temperatures, as well as tire PSI.

These updates were added in the recent 2023.12.8 software update.

The Future of Track Mode: Enhanced Experiences Await Model X Plaid Owners

Yet, the implementation of Track Mode in the Model X Plaid is unlikely to be straightforward. As Musk has noted in the past, developing and tuning this mode for specific models can be challenging, given the need to ensure seamless performance under demanding driving conditions. Despite this, the announcement has electrified the Tesla community, sparking anticipation for what the future holds for Model X Plaid owners.

So, gear up and get ready. As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of EV performance, the advent of Track Mode on the Model X Plaid promises to unlock an even more thrilling driving experience.

Tesla Improves Wrap Services: Switches to Vinyl, Cuts Prices Drastically, Adds New Colors and Expands Availability

December 15, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

After canceling the in-house wrap program for the Cybertruck last month, Tesla has reintroduced the program with a lot of changes. Let’s take a look at the original program, then we’ll dive into what’s changed.

Tesla began the wrap program for the Model 3 and Model Y in the fall of 2023. With the arrival of the Cybertruck, Tesla launched Matte Black and Satin White options for the Cybertruck and later added 11 more colors.

Tesla initially offered high-quality PPF (Paint Protection Film) wraps, which protect the paint in addition to changing the color of the vehicle. PPF is thicker than traditional vinyl wraps, but the material costs more and is more time-consuming to apply.

Tesla’s updated program switches away from PPF wraps and now offers traditional vinyl wraps at a cheaper price. This makes Tesla’s wrap service more comparable to third-party installers.

Correction: We initially reported that the new wrap program offered PPF rather than vinyl and that the program was only available for new deliveries.

New Wrap Prices

First things first - the price of the wraps has dropped considerably, mostly due to the change away from PPF. While these prices are still a little more expensive than what you could find at a third-party location, you have the advantage of getting it directly from Tesla.

Vehicle	Original Cost	New Cost
Cybertruck	$8,000	$4,500
Model 3 / Model Y	$6,500	$4,000
Model S / Model X	Not available	Not available

Tesla initially offered 11 wrap colors, but that selection has now been reduced to eight per vehicle. Interestingly, the color options vary by model—Model 3 and Model Y owners have their own distinct palette. The Cybertruck also boasts its own unique set of colors, though unfortunately, the popular Satin White option is absent from its catalog.

Of course, the ever-popular Matte Black is still available, along with a fairly unique set of other vivid colors.

New Locations

Not a Tesla App

When the wrap program launched, it was limited to just three locations in California and one location in Texas. That meant that unless you were taking delivery at West Covina, Oceanside, Costa Mesa, or Santa Clara, you’d be unable to get a first-party wrap done by Tesla.

Under the new program, Tesla is offering wraps out of all the original locations and adding Seattle, Washington. What initially seemed like Tesla scaling back its wrap service has turned out to be them making it more affordable and efficient. While the switch to vinyl may disappoint some owners, in reality, a lot of owners probably didn’t know the difference between PPF and vinyl, making Tesla’s service seem disproportionally more expensive.

No Longer New Purchases Only

While the original wrap program was constrained to new vehicle purchases—you can now have Tesla wrap a vehicle that’s already been delivered. Paint damage and scuffs can impact the installation of wraps and require additional time to smooth out the vehicle surface, and most third-party installers charge additional fees to prepare the surface.

Tesla doesn’t appear to be charging any additional surface prep fees at this time and is able to install on any Model 3, Model Y, or Cybertruck that’s been delivered after 2023.

Either way, with cheaper wrap options, Tesla is now directly competing against third-party wrap shops. While it’s still a bit more expensive than you’d find elsewhere, it also comes with a level of care and precision from technicians intimately familiar with your vehicle.

Tesla Increases Price of Model S; Starts Offering Free Lifetime Supercharging

December 14, 2024

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

For the first time in quite a while, Tesla has increased the price of one of its vehicle offerings. The Model S Long Range and the Model S Plaid have both received a hefty price increase. However, not all is bad - as Tesla also added a new benefit for buyers.

Price Increase

The price increase for the Model S is $5,000 - currently only in the United States. This price increase will likely impact other markets, including Canada, in the coming days.

The Model S Long Range now starts at $79,990, while the Model S Plaid now starts at $94,990. The Model S and Model X now have the same starting price. Interestingly, that’s also the same pricing point for the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast Trimotor non-Foundation Series.

The vehicle configuration does not appear to have changed, so the new pricing is simply an increase rather than the addition or removal of features. Tesla previously cut the price of the Model S and Model X by 15% in 2023, so this could simply be an adjustment to ensure that the vehicle pricing stays in line with inflation and other factors.

Free Lifetime Supercharging

For those on the fence about ordering a Model S, Tesla has brought back Free Lifetime Supercharging when you order a new Model S on or after December 13, 2024. As always, Free Lifetime Supercharging is restricted to the buyer’s Tesla account and to that specific vehicle. It cannot be transferred to another vehicle or another owner after ownership transfer. It’s worth noting, that it also doesn’t exclude the owner from receiving Supercharger idle fees or congestion fees. There is currently no end date for this promotion.

There are currently no changes to the Model X, neither a price increase nor the addition of Lifetime Superchargering. However, when Tesla makes changes to one of their premium vehicles, it usually affects the other one as well. So be on the lookout for potential changes to the Model X offering in the coming days.

We’ve seen Tesla value Lifetime Supercharging at $5,000, so this falls in line with the price increase we’re seeing. It’s possible that Tesla will begin to bring back Lifetime Supercharging as a perk for buying into their more premium Model S and Model X cars, or this could be another temporary promotion to get buyers who are on the fence to go ahead and make their purchase while this promotion lasts.