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Issue 306 - New Tesla Model 3 Performance

Roadster

Tesla Roadster to be (re)unveiled end of year

In a series of tweets, Elon mentioned that the team has radically increased the design goals for the new Tesla Roadster, originally unveiled in 2017. He said they are targeting 0-60 in under 1 second and that this car, “if you could even call it a car,” is a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX. Ok, who is excited to see it? πŸ™‹

Software Updates

Upcoming update to cut Sentry Mode power use by 40%

Tesla is planning to release a software update in Q2 to reduce the energy consumption of Sentry Mode by roughly 40%, following user concerns over the feature’s ‘vampire drain’ on batteries. Senior VP Drew Baglino affirmed the energy-saving initiative, which will help extend battery life for Tesla owners, especially when parked for long periods. Tesla and its executives keep paying close attention to user feedback and experiences and use OTA updates to refine vehicle features and functionality.

Tesla updates mobile app with UI changes, adds new virtual chat assistant

Tesla updated its mobile app with a user interface refresh, streamlining navigation via a new hamburger icon and dropdown menus, making it simpler to manage your Tesla fleet and products. They’ve also rolled out a virtual chat assistant named ‘Tesla Assist,’ offering basic support within the app. It helps users with quick answers to frequently asked questions. For now, this is just done by searching the manual and related articles and is not AI-powered like ChatGPT, but one can assume it will be like that in the future.

FSD v12.2.1 - Extended video - parking 5 times

A new extended video showcases Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta v12.2.1’s skillfulness in parking, demonstrating its ability to navigate and park in two different parking stalls and along a street curb three times. It’s an impressive display of the continuous improvements Tesla is making to FSD, and goes to show just how advanced the system is getting

Tips & Tricks

Mastering Your Tesla: Key shortcuts and tips

Awesome compilation by NotATeslaApp, it includes a variety of shortcuts and tips to enhance your Tesla driving experience. Learn how to set Autopilot speed with a tap, expand FSD visualizations with a swipe, quickly adjust audio, navigate or access the calendar, and control climate settings. Other gems include toggling between displaying miles or percentage for range and using voice commands for various functions, all aimed at making your Tesla interaction even more seamless and customized.

Model 3 & Y

First glimpse of the new Model 3 Performance (Ludicrous)

The new Model 3 Performance (Ludicrous) was spotted fully unveiled in Valencia, Spain, displaying exclusive features such as performance seats, unique wheel designs with aero caps, red brake calipers, and a Ludicrous badge. It also sports a sleek front splitter, lowered suspension, and a rear spoiler. My theory is that this probably hints at an imminent unveiling.

Tesla Model Y earns 2024 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+

The Tesla Model Y achieved the prestigious 2024 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, standing out even amid stricter safety standards that emphasize rear-seat passenger and pedestrian protection. We know Tesla always puts the safety of their passengers first, and honestly, while I hope I never experience an accident in one, I do hope that if it has to happen, me and my family are in a Tesla.

Tesla Energy

Tesla Powerwall installations reach 600,000 worldwide

Tesla recently celebrated a significant milestone with the installation of the 600,000th Powerwall, illustrating the growing demand for their energy storage solutions. The pace of Powerwall installations has dramatically increased, with the latest 100,000 units installed in just seven months, compared to the five years it took for the initial 100,000. With the Powerwall 3 featuring a 130% capacity increase and improved stackability, Tesla Energy’s impact is set to expand, especially as they move into untapped markets and enhance home energy resilience.

If you are in the market for Tesla Solar, a new Tesla car, or even scheduling a demo drive, please consider using our referral code http://ts.la/ignacio9266

Community

Modified Cybertruck on the snow

A couple of weeks ago, we shared a picture of a Cybertruck on snow tracks. This week, we were lucky enough to see a sneak peek video of what the owner calls the CyberTrax. It looks like a beast effortlessly navigating through the snow.

Why AWD Teslas are superior in the winter?

AWD Teslas have an edge in winter not just due to better traction but also for their faster battery preconditioning for Supercharging. Dual-motor configurations in models like the Model 3 and Model Y enable more efficient battery heating, as they can generate more heat than single-motor versions. This leads to quicker battery warm-up, thus faster Supercharging in cold conditions – a clear advantage over RWD variants.

πŸ€“ What the acronym?

As Tesla fan I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.

  • AWD: All-Wheel DriveΒ 
  • FSD: Full Self-Driving
  • OTA: Over-the-air Software Updates
  • RWD: Rear-Wheel Drive

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