Tesla beefs up Model S with autopilot, all-wheel-drive
Auto Tech
[MUSIC]
We're here in Southern California at a special Tesla event where Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced two important new features for the model S. One is an all wheel drive option they call D. So that'd be any model as a D appended to its standard model name.
This all wheel drive option retains the rear motor and adds a smaller motor up front.
Now there's also.
A whole new set of features that Elon Musk calls autopilot.
These are advanced driver assistance features, such as the dashboard cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
Musk said that every model Tesla has been built in the last two weeks has come with a new set of sensors.
There's a forward looking radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors all around the car.
The system can actually recognize speed limit signs and adapt the speed of the car to the current speed limit on the road.
It can also follow lanes lines and automatically steer the car through the lane.
Along with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, Musk said also can summon your car.
But capability will only occur on private property.
Probably to avoid liability issues.
With the all-wheel drive options, more than just an all-wheel drive system that gives better traction front and rear, the car also has much more power.
Musk said it'll get to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds.
I took a ride earlier in one of these cars and the acceleration is really astonishing.
It is definitely faster than the P85, the most potent current version of the model S. I'm Wen Cunningham here in Southern California at the Tesla D event.
[MUSIC]
