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Tesla Model 3 stopping distance improvements confirmed in new test, Musk says UI/ride comfort improvements coming

Following some inconsistencies in testing for the stopping distance of the Model 3 in Consumer Reports’ tests last month, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the company found an issue with the ‘ABS calibration algorithm’.

Last week, Tesla started rolling out a Model 3 software update to “reduce braking distance by up to ~20 ft”.

Consumer Reports has now retested the vehicle confirming the improvement and Musk added that they are also rolling out improvements with the Model 3’s user interface and road noise.

Earlier this month, the magazine said that they were getting a 152-ft average stopping distance from 60 mph, while Tesla claimed an average of 133 feet in their own tests.

Musk responded to the article saying that it was surprising but they will investigate to see if something could cause the braking distance to be inconsistent.

He later said that they found an issue with the ‘ABS calibration algorithm’ that could result in some inconsistent results and that they were working on an update.

Last week, Musk confirmed that they started pushing the update and that it “should improve braking distance by ~20 ft for repeated heavy braking events”.

Consumer Reports has now retested the vehicle and confirmed a significant improvement:

“In CR’s initial review of the Model 3, testers noted that the EV’s 152 feet to stop from 60 mph was 7 feet longer than a Ford F-150 pickup’s stopping distance, and 25 feet longer than Tesla’s own Model X SUV’s. In retesting after the software update was downloaded, the sedan stopped in 133 feet from 60 mph, an improvement of 19 feet.”

Due to the updated performance improvement, the product review magazine is now officially recommending the Model 3.

Musk commented on the new report and said that Tesla is also addressing Consumer Reports’ other issues with the vehicle:

As we previously reported, the brake update is being rolled out in the 2018.18.13 software update.

Musk said that more UI improvements will be rolled out via over-the-air software updates over the next few months including climate and media control for passengers via mobile app and blind spot chimes.

As for ride comfort and road noise, Musk mentioned other improvements that Tesla has been making:

“Improved windshield for aero noise & suspension for ride comfort are major ops. Unless you’re really bothered by them, don’t replace. Best way to improve ride is drop tire pressure to ~39 psi. 45 psi is best range, but lower comfort.”

The hardware update to the suspension has reportedly started rolling out in December and owners can have it retrofitted at a Tesla’s service center.

Update: Musk elaborated on the improvements made to the Model 3 and his recommendation for tire pressure:

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Avatar for Fred Lambert Fred Lambert

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