Tesla Motors this week started to roll out its new Tesla Autopilot system, enabling fully autonomous vehicles. The Autopilot HW2, which is the second iteration of the self-driving software, will allow Tesla vehicles to drive to a destination and even park itself, all with just a few control.
According to Business Insider, Tesla this week started rolling out new Autopilot features enabled by its second-generation hardware system to a group of 1000 testers and also to other Tesla vehicles equipped with the new hardware.
Initially, the software update will be in shadow mode for those beyond the test pool. It said to be turned on for active use by the end of the week if everything goes to plan, TechCrunch reported earlier.
New rev for Autopilot HW2 rolling out Mon to first 1000 & to rest of fleet in shadow mode. Also improves HW1 and enables Ludicrous .
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 8, 2017
Tesla Driving Toward Greater Autonomy With The New Autopilot System
The new Autopilot system will allow vehicles to drive to a destination and even park itself. However, it still unclear how the software update will be affected by the government regulations. The U.S. government has announced stricter rules for the development of this kind of software, but Tesla CEO Elon Musk has claimed that the fully autonomous software is twice as safe as having a human behind the wheel.
The new Autopilot is designed to make it easier for drivers to handle highway driving. But the new system won't allow for an experience where a driver can truly stop paying attention to his driving. In fact, the most recent Autopilot updates are designed to ensure that drivers either pay attention or face troubles.
According to TechCrunch, the new Autopilot functionality will return features like adaptive speed and auto steer. Additionally, the new Autopilot update will also allow the Model S P100D to accelerate to 60 mph in 2.4 seconds in Ludicrous mode.
Tesla's Ludicrous Mode is a one touch acceleration feature that can unlock even more potential from the car's electric drivetrain, where it takes some Tesla vehicles from 0-60mph in just 2.4 seconds. Tesla's latest Autopilot update will improve the Ludicrous acceleration by a millisecond.
Tesla Model 3 Might Come This Year
The Tesla Model 3, which is the first vehicle built on Tesla's third-generation platform, is set to join the growing Tesla line up. This third model of Tesla will offer a range of 215 miles with its all-electric powertrain and advanced lithium ion batteries. The new Tesla Model 3 is said to reach t from 0-60mph in just 6 seconds, but faster versions will be offered in the near future.
Production is said to start in the U.S. this year and deliveries will begin in late 2017. Price for Tesla Model 3 starts at US$35,000, this will include the hardware for the Autopilot system along with all safety features as standard fit.
