A Software Update Turns The Tesla Model 3 Into A Drift Monster

An over-the-air update for the Model 3 Performance adds Track Mode, which will allow the all-wheel drive system to heavily bias the rear axle

Tesla has now released what might just be its best over-the-air software update yet. Yep, the long-awaited Track Mode - which first came to light a few months ago - is now ready for customers.

The feature, which Tesla says is “designed specifically for use on closed autocross circuits and racetracks,” will make chucking the back end out incredibly easy. The ‘Vehicle Dynamics Controller’ works out what the driver is trying to achieve, and plays with the bias between the front and rear motors as it sees fit.

It’s best thought of as a virtual driveline, which will see more torque coming out of the rear axle motor in order to ‘rotate’ the car during cornering, switching to a front bias if that slide becomes ‘excessive’. In other words, it will, in theory, let you pull off massive drifts while minimising the risk of the car spinning out.

A Software Update Turns The Tesla Model 3 Into A Drift Monster

Other elements of Track Mode include increased regenerative braking, which both extends the life of the conventional braking system and tops up the battery with more energy, and better cooling. The latter is achieved by “proactively” dipping the battery and drive unit temperatures both in preparation for your track session and immediately after, and upping the capacity of the refrigerant system “by overclocking the AC compressor into higher speed ranges.”

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Finally, there’s a torque vectoring system which mimics the operation of a limited-slip differential through small brake and motor inputs.

Tesla - which this week announced Robyn Denholm as its new chair of the board - said that it will “continue to improve and enhance Track Mode over time with future over-the-air updates.”

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Comments

Anonymous

When “jack off” mode for the fanboyos? I bet many of them would have sex with it if they could

11/10/2018 - 10:58 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Drift is a very cool sport. And I really like to watch football at the stadium in addition to drifting, it is also very entertaining and emotional. If for some reason I miss the game of my favorite team, I will find out the results here https://777score.nz/ . Very, it is a pity that there is no such same information resources on drift.

11/10/2018 - 11:33 |
0 | 4
Aero (Animal Crossing man)

If it can power slide with an electronic parking brake and only one gear, this is one clever system.

11/12/2018 - 14:15 |
0 | 0