Cleaver’s modified Model 3. Source: Tesla Spec
“Track Mode” could be on the cards for the Tesla Model Y, the EV maker’s co-founder Elon Musk said on Sunday (US time).
Musk also says this feature could be hard to roll out, but a Tesla racing driver who is building a motorsport business in Austin, Texas, says there should be a simpler solution.
A customisable setting that enables Tesla Model 3 Performance owners control over how their car performs on a racing track, it is a model that has been off limits for Model Y owners.
Features that can be customised using Track Mode include handling balance, stability assistance and regenerative braking resistance.
It also allows drivers the ability to optimise vehicle cooling and monitor status and G-force. A performance review feature includes lap timers, video logging and access to telemetry data.
But all that could change soon, if Tesla can follow through on Musk’s latest tweet.
Tesla Owners Silicon Valley asked the Tesla and SpaceX boss on Twitter: “Can we get track mode for model y performance?”
But unlike other upgrades for Tesla cars, many of which can be enabled by a software update, this is not apparently as easy as it sounds.
Musk replied: “This is harder than it sounds, but ok.”
What makes it “harder” is unclear, however. The Model Y is based on the Model 3, and is said to use 75% of the same parts.
“Lol, but they’re almost identical underneath … track mode it up @elonmusk!” said one follower in response to Musk.
Cleaver’s modified Model 3. Source: Tesla Spec
Specific Model Y Track Mode testing needed
However, there is the fact that the Model 3 is a sedan, which sits lower to the ground than the Model Y and has a lower centre of gravity.
“It’s not complicated if track mode was free of traction/stability control, but since it’s an engineered DSC (dynamic stability control), it would have to be tuned unique to MY weight and handling dynamics,” said Drew Cleaver on Twitter, owner of motorsport business Tesla Spec who tells The Driven he has been racing in Model 3s since 2019.
It's not complicated if track mode was free of traction/stability control, but since it's an engineered DSC, it would have to be tuned unique to MY weight and handling dynamics.
Please extend a simple track mode of max cooling pump/TCS completely off *all* models. Let them eat!
— Drew Cleaver (@drewcleaver) October 17, 2022
Speaking to The Driven, Cleaver points out that Track Mode for the Model 3 has certain restrictions to make using the feature enjoyable for beginner racers.
Designed by Tesla engineers in collaboration with racing drivers, it is likely the same would need to occur for a Model Y Track Mode.
He says, “Track mode is helpful in a racing environment, but still has quite a few safety measures limiting the cars’ ultimate speed capability, geared towards very amateur drivers.”
Tesla motorsport driver Drew Cleaver in his modified Model 3. Supplied
Just turn stability control off
However, Cleaver thinks a simpler version of track mode – the ability to turn stability control off, and turn water cooling up to full – should be enabled. And it would not require days of testing on the track to implement, he says.
He says he has spent several thousand dollars on aftermarket parts in order to work around Tesla’s restrictive engineered systems.
“With a software update like I’m asking for, I wouldn’t need the two electrical modifications that are about $900/each + install labor and relatively unreliable quality,” he says.
“Mustang, Corvette, Porsche, BMW….all have stability control that can be turned off,” he notes.
“Elon could easily do an update to allow DSC to be fully turned off. It takes renting a race track for days and hiring engineers and drivers to develop Track Mode which most people don’t even like who actually use it,” he said.
Keyword: “Just turn stability control off:” Musk promises Model Y track mode, but easier version possible