First Look at Tesla's Track Mode Improvements in Update 2023.12.8 [Video]

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla has added major improvements to Track Mode
Tesla has added major improvements to Track Mode
zivac87/TeslaMotorsClub

Tesla's 2023.12.8 software update introduces significant improvements to Track Mode for the Model S, including a new 200 mph top speed for those equipped with the Track Package. The update also provides various enhancements to Track Mode, benefiting all users regardless of whether they have the Track Package.

Enhanced Track Mode for Model S and X

Currently, the new software update supports the Model S, with future updates extending support to other performance models. The update offers a range of improvements for both Track Package-equipped vehicles and those using the regular Track Mode. These include user interface (UI) changes, better information access, and critical data visualization. Track mode options in the menu remain the same.

Instrument Cluster Improvements

The information displayed on the instrument cluster (IC) has changed. Tesla now displays the front and rear brake temperatures and tire pressure on the left side, with a larger central speedometer in the center. Lap information appears to the right of the speedometer.

Center Screen Improvements

The center screen in the Model S now displays more information
The center screen in the Model S now displays more information
Luiz Carvalho/Twitter

The left side of the center display now displays additional information. It hosts the g-force meter and battery visualization that used to appear on the IC, as well as more detailed temperature views for the front and rear motors and battery.

A Look at the Improvements to Track Mode

The video belows highlights the major improvements in Tesla's Track Mode.

Supporting Track Package for Even Better Performance

The Track Package, designed to enhance the Model S Plaid's track experience, unlocks a top speed of 200 mph. It includes aluminum forged wheels, track-ready tires, high-performance brake fluid, carbon-silicon carbide rotors, and one-piece forged calipers with high-performance pads.

The Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit, a game-changer for braking performance, features continuous-fiber technology and a unique 3D matrix to manage heat effectively. It includes 410 x 40mm front and 410 x 32mm rear carbon-silicon carbide rotors, 6-piston and 4-piston one-piece forged calipers with high-performance brake pads, integrated caliper-mounted parking brakes, and track-ready brake fluid.

Wheel and tire components are also carefully selected for enhanced handling and grip on the racetrack, featuring 20X10J and 20X11J Zero-G wheels with 285/35R20 and 305/30R20 Goodyear Supercar 3R tires, TPMS, Zero-G center caps, tire nut valves, and lug nut covers.

This software update is another step towards ensuring that Tesla drivers have the best possible track experience with their electric vehicles.

Tesla Cybertruck: Puddle Lights, Powershare & FSD in Canada and Cybertruck on Mars?

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

The Cybertruck is having an eventful November. Just last week, we shared the news that Tesla isn’t offering their in-house wrap service for the Cybertruck anymore; the Foundation Series is now available in inventory in select US locations, Crossbars have arrived, and faster charging is around the corner. Now there’s even more to discuss about the stainless steel beast.

Projection Puddle Lights

Like the recently launched puddle lights for the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla has introduced a set of add-on Projector Puddle Lights for the Cybertruck. These Cybertruck-specific ones go for $75 USD, or $105 CAD and are available in both the Canadian and US Tesla stores.

However, these don’t have the Tesla wordmark - instead, they feature the iconic Cybertruck symbol and, in our opinion, look even nicer. Here’s to hoping Tesla also introduces a set with the graffiti-style Cybertruck wordmark.

Powershare in Canada

While the Foundation Series Cybertruck has been getting delivered in Canada since November 7th, there was no news on Powershare being supported due to regulatory constraints. On the 20th, Foundation Series owners in Canada began to receive emails to get their Powershare installs started through Tesla’s official installer - Qmerit.

More to follow on pricing and the process as we receive our Canadian quote from Qmerit soon.

FSD in Canada

The Cybertruck Program Manager, Siddhant Awasthi, confirmed that with Powershare now becoming available, FSD for the Cybertruck in Canada will also become available soon. Canadian trucks shipped with a factory software build that didn’t include FSD, but did include TACC and stoplight/traffic control.

Early this morning Tesla began rolling out a new version of FSD 12.5.5.3 for the Cybertruck, which is update 2024.39.5. Will this be the version that rolls out in Canada?

Update 2024.39.5

FSD Supervised 12.5.5.3
Installed on 0% of fleet
7 Installs today
Last updated: Nov 22, 12:00 am UTC

First Mars Payload

Following Integrated Flight Test 6 for SpaceX’s Starship, Elon Musk confirmed that uncrewed Starships are likely to begin making their way to Mars in about 2 years. You’re probably going to ask what’s going to be in those Starships - that’s what Brett Winston on X asked as well. Elon confirmed that Cybertrucks and Optimus robots will be among some of the first items landing on Mars.

That’s a ton of awesome news for Cybertruck, and there’s absolutely going to be more around the corner, especially as we await the big Tesla Holiday Update. While you wait, why not take a look at our Holiday Update Wishlists?

First Look at Tesla’s New 'Blind Spot While Parked' Feature [VIDEO]

By Karan Singh
Automobile Propre

Tesla software update 2024.44.3 has started rolling out to customers in larger waves recently and it brings several new features - including Actually Smart Summon to Europe and the Middle East, as well as improvements to Autopark. But that’s not all, it also adds a new Blind Spot Monitoring feature to the new Model 3, and potentially the Cybertruck, but that’s still to be determined.

We previously covered the Blind Spot Warning While Parked as part of our preview notes for update 2024.44, but now that it's going out to customers, it's time to see it in action.

Blind Spot Monitoring While Parked

If the vehicle’s door open button is pressed, and a vehicle or object is near or incoming, the vehicle’s Blind Spot Warning Light (2024 Model 3 and Cybertruck) will illuminate, an audible tone will ring and the door won’t open. A message will also be displayed on the center displaying, letting driver’s know why the door didn’t open.

Pressing the button a second time will allow you to override the warning and open the door normally, providing a way to get out in case you just parked close to a nearby vehicle or obstacle.

The object detection for this new feature includes cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and other objects - like things including traffic cones, bollards, strollers, and other large obstacles that FSD and vision-based Autopark detect during normal operation. Of note - this only works for the front two doors. Thanks to X user Max, who did some testing for us, It does not work for the rear passenger doors.

Optional Feature

The feature is optional - it’ll be enabled by default for safety, but if you need to enable or disable it, you can do so under Controls > Safety. For now, the feature is only available on the 2024 Model 3, but we expect it to roll out to the Cybertruck at least. However, there’s no reason why it can’t be added to other vehicles as well, minus the small red dot. We expect Tesla to eventually add this feature to all Tesla vehicles, but it’s currently not a part of update 2024.44.

Enhauto’s S3XY Buttons & Commander

If that’s not enough safety and vision for you, Enhauto, the makers of the popular S3XY Buttons and Commander recently put out a new software update for the 2024 Model 3, which makes some fantastic use of the ambient lighting.

With Enhauto’s solution, users are able to tie their ambient lights to Autopilot use, turn signals or even if a vehicle is their blind spot. Check out the video below for this awesome implementation, where the ambient lights turn red when another vehicle approaches.

Maybe Tesla will integrate something like this into a future update? We’ve been hoping for more customizability with their ambient lighting - it's an easy safety win and a demonstration of Tesla’s do-more-with-less attitude.

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