We are still learning about Tesla’s upcoming new ‘Track Mode’ to be released in the Model 3 Performance as the automaker is still developing it.
CEO Elon Musk has now revealed that it will not simply be an optimized dynamic system for the track, but it will actually be configurable by the driver.
As we previously reported, Tesla claims that they have developed their own in-house vehicle dynamic controls (VDC) system for the first time with the Model 3 Performance version, which is allowing them to develop more advanced driving modes.
Generally, in other vehicles with similar ‘race modes’ or ‘track modes’, it involves removing or changing the behavior of onboard driver assist features like traction control and power steering, but Tesla takes on the concept differently.
Earlier this month, a Tesla engineer said that their ‘Track Mode doesn’t disable features, it adds them’.
The company says that it uses the traction between the two motors and slip distribution instead of brakes, which gives more control to the driver. The regenerative braking also acts differently in track mode with increased regen power, which helps give a break to the brakes.
Tesla also changed the powertrain cooling algorithm to be optimized for the high power usage of a track day.’
In previous comments, Tesla made it sound like using track mode was as simple as activating the mode and it would do its own thing.
But now Musk said that you’d be able to change the parameters of the car.
The CEO said an interview (embedded below) with Youtuber Marques Brownlee:
“With track mode, we want to open up a bunch of settings. You can adjust settings.” He adds: “It’s kind of an expert mode and you can sort of adjust traction control, adjust battery temperature – you can basically configure a bunch of things.”
Musk compared it to GPU settings on a computer or overclocking a processor, but he did warn that it is at the owner’s own risk of damage to the vehicle.
The mode is still in beta and only available on a few Tesla test vehicles. The automaker didn’t set a timeline for the release of the feature.
Here’s the interview:
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