Tesla’s Track Mode feature is designed to unlock peak vehicle performance specifically tailored for closed-circuit tracks. It is available on the Tesla Model 3 and Model S Plaid. By adjusting key parameters such as regenerative braking, stability control, traction control and cooling systems, Track Mode optimises the vehicle’s dynamics. This complements Tesla’s history of renowned agility and ensures a smooth performance on challenging tracks.
It’s important to note that Tesla Track Mode is exclusive to performance models equipped with high-performance tyres and brakes. Models that lack these components may encounter reduced levels of performance and endurance when attempting to engage Track Mode.
How to Use the Tesla Track Mode
Track Mode is initially disabled in performance models, to activate it, follow these straightforward steps:
- Shift into Park
- Navigate to Touch Controls, then click on Pedals & Steering and finally Track Mode.
Once enabled, the touchscreen will display the word ‘TRACK’ above the driving speed, accompanied by a Track Mode pop-up window on the map. The car status section on the touchscreen provides a colour-coded image of your Model 3 or Model S Plaid. It offers essential, easy-to-read information about the battery, motors, tyres and brakes.
If you initiated the Lap Timer, it would reset each time you pass the start/finish location for seamless tracking of your laps.
It’s essential to be aware that when Track Mode is active, the following conditions apply:
- Autopilot features are deactivated.
- The Slip Start setting is overridden.
- Energy usage experiences an increase.
- Entertainment features are not accessible.
- Settings for Adaptive Suspension Damping are automatically disabled (Track Mode optimises adaptive damping to support aggressive driving).
You can easily disable Track Mode using the touchscreen settings whenever needed. Moreover, turning off the Model S power also deactivates Track Mode (though it may still be visible on the touchscreen during Post-Drive cooling).
When Track Mode is switched off, all settings revert to their previous states, and all features return to their normal operating conditions.
Customising Tesla Track Mode
If you wish to tailor the Track Mode settings to your preferences, access the Track Mode Settings through the Track Mode pop-up window. Alternatively, you can reach the settings:
- Navigate to ‘Controls’
- Go to ‘Pedals & Steering’
- Selecting ‘Customise’ next to the Track Mode setting
Moreover, the settings can be adjusted according to individual preferences, driving conditions or a specific track. Here’s a breakdown of the customisation options:
Handling Balance
- Slide the bar to tailor the handling balance during turns.
- Opt for a front-biassed under-steering setup if the vehicle feels too loose.
- Choose a rear-biassed setup for increased rotation.
- Options range from 100/0 (100% front biassed for under-steering) to 0/100 (100% rear biassed for over-steering) in 5% increments.
Stability Assist
- Adjust the slider to set the level of assistance from stability control systems.
- Choose any level between -10 to +10.
- +10 engages all stability assist systems, resembling driving without Track Mode.
- -10 disables all stability systems, putting control solely in the hands of the driver.
- The default setting (0) provides a balanced mix of automatic stability and driver control.
Regenerative Braking
- Use the slider to determine the amount of regenerative braking available.
- Options range from 0 to 100% in 5% increments.
- Tesla recommends 100% when using base brakes to prevent overheating.
Post-Drive Cooling
- Enable to allow cooling systems to continue cooling the vehicle after you exit.
- Cooling stops when components reach a sufficient temperature or when you power Model S off and on.
- Useful for quickly cooling components between driving sessions.
Brake Temperatures
- Enable to display brake temperatures and associated warnings.
- Consider disabling it if you’ve installed an aftermarket high-performance braking system.
Save Dashcam for Laps
- Enable to save video and data on a USB flash drive when using the Lap Timer.
- This requires a USB flash drive with a Tesla Track Mode folder.
- Track Mode stores video, telemetry data, and car status for each lap.
Display on Touchscreen
The currently chosen setting is shown in the top left corner of the Track Mode pane.
Profiles
- Track Mode supports up to 20 settings profiles.
- To delete a profile, touch “Delete” at the bottom of the settings screen.
- Note that predefined profiles provided by Tesla cannot be changed or deleted.
Using the Lap Timer
For those interested in utilising the Lap Timer, follow the onscreen instructions to set the lap’s start/finish location by dropping a pin on the map. Press ‘START’ on the Lap Timer to commence your driving session. As you drive past the designated start-to-finish location, the Lap Timer begins counting for each lap.
Moreover, Track Mode records a video of the driving session using the front cameras. This happens when the ‘Save Dashcam for Laps’ feature is activated, and a correctly formatted USB flash drive is inserted. Additionally, it generates a file containing comprehensive details about the lap.
Keep in mind that to conclude your driving session and halt the timer, simply touch ‘STOP’ on the Lap Timer.
How to Examine Vehicle Health When Using Track Mode
Keeping track of the health of your Model 3 or Model S Plaid (one of the fastest accelerating production cars of all time) during Track Mode is convenient through both the touchscreen and the instrument panel.
On the touchscreen, you’ll find graphical representations in the form of bars, depicting the temperatures of the Battery and motors. When operating within the ideal temperature range, these bars are colourless. However, as the temperature rises and performance begins to decline, the associated bar turns yellow. As the performance further decreases, the colour progresses towards red.
The instrument panel provides dynamic readings of tyre pressures, with any tyre experiencing low pressure highlighted in red.
For Tesla performance models without the Tesla Carbon Ceramic brake kit, the instrument panel also issues temperature warnings for the front and rear brakes. The warnings turn yellow as the brakes approach thermal limits and red if the thermal limits are exceeded.
Please note that a component displayed in red can be an indication of its need to cool significantly before it can regain optimal performance.
FAQs
What is Tesla Track Mode?
Track Mode is a feature in Tesla vehicles designed for optimal performance during track driving. It allows users to customise various settings for enhanced handling and control.
Which Tesla models support the Track Mode feature?
Track Mode is available in certain high-performance Tesla models, such as the Tesla Model 3 Performance and the Tesla Model S Plaid.
How do I enable Track Mode?
To enable the Track Mode function, shift into Park and access the settings through the touchscreen: Touch Controls > Pedals & Steering > Track Mode.
What adjustments can I make in Track Mode?
Users can customise parameters like handling balance, stability assist, regenerative braking, and more. These adjustments allow for a tailored driving experience on the track.
Can Track Mode be used on any road?
The Tesla Track Mode working is specifically designed for closed-circuit tracks. It is not intended for use on public roads.
Is Tesla popular in the UAE?
Thanks to its advanced technology, Tesla is pretty popular worldwide and the UAE is no exception. Here is a list of the most popular used Tesla models in the UAE.
That is all about Tesla track mode. Moreover, the Tesla Plaid track mode is an advancement of the track mode feature available on Model S and Model X EVs. Model S also has the Tesla autopark feature. If you’re interested in buying a performance model to use the track mode feature, go through these used Teslas for sale in the UAE.
On a totally different note, when it comes to features, Tesla Model S and Model X also have the Tesla passenger play feature. It allows passengers to play video games on the car’s centre console.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on various car feature details.
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