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By Kevin Armstrong
According to reports from China, Tesla is set to release the new Tesla Model 3 Performance in the second quarter, which begins in two months. With the Chinese launch on the horizon, there’s growing speculation that the Model 3 Performance could soon be headed to the U.S. and other markets.
The high-performance variant of the Model 3 is expected to carry a price tag of approximately 400,000 yuan, or around $55,730 USD. Reports from Dongchedi state that the vehicle will soon enter mass production at the Shanghai and Fremont factories.
Adding to the anticipation, the new seats have been spotted, and a mysterious covered Model 3 has been spotted undergoing tests in California. These sightings suggest that Tesla is preparing for a U.S. launch, fine-tuning the vehicle to meet the expectations of American drivers. However, the vehicle was a right-hand drive car, which suggested it was being set up for the UK.
Martin Viecha’s Enthusiastic Endorsement
In a recent interaction on X, Tesla’s Senior Director of Investor Relations, Martin Viecha, had a fanboy moment when he congratulated automotive enthusiast and television presenter James May. In his post, Viecha mentioned watching May’s show throughout his childhood and expressed hope that May would enjoy the car, specifically recommending the Model 3 Performance upon its release. Would he really tease his hero if the car wasn’t close to production?
Congrats @MrJamesMay! Watched your show all my childhood. Hope you like the car. You should get the Performance one, once that comes out 🙂 https://t.co/H8tZKt4iHk
— Martin Viecha (@MartinViecha) January 26, 2024
Tesla has yet to release full power specifications for the new Model 3 Performance, but expectations are high based on its predecessor. The previous model featured dual motors, a combined power output of 357 kilowatts, and a 659 N·m torque. It also achieved a rapid 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.3 seconds and boasted a cruising range of about 420 miles. The latest model is expected to maintain or even surpass these performance metrics, possibly incorporating a three-motor power system for improved handling and range.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance would make a great addition to James May’s collection. Just when it will ship is still speculation. If the reports are true, then the new Performance Model 3 could be on roadways worldwide by summer.
By Not a Tesla App Staff
Like most vehicles, dealing with snow and ice on your Tesla can be challenging, especially during the colder months. Here are some essential winter tips and techniques to defrost your car and ensure your vehicle is ready for a safe drive.
Defrost From The Tesla App
Before you even get to your vehicle, it’s a great idea to preheat the cabin and turn on the defroster. Your Tesla’s cabin will warm up extremely quickly thanks to a dedicated heater. Unlike internal combustion vehicles, the engine doesn’t need to warm up before the vehicle starts producing heat. Teslas will start warming up immediately and it often only takes a few minutes to warm up the cabin to a comfortable temperature.
To start the climate system from the Tesla app, just tap the Fan icon directly underneath the vehicle. Those icons can be customized as well (see more below). Alternatively, you can scroll down to the Climate section and activate the climate system from there.
To start defrosting your vehicle, you can also add the Defrost icon to the quick actions icons underneath the vehicle model, or you can go into the Climate section.
Simply slide up the panel at the bottom of the screen to reveal additional options, which include Defrost Car, Bioweapon Defense Mode (if equipped), Camp Mode, and Dog Mode.
Tesla Defrost Button
Finding the defrost buttons in the vehicle is a little less obvious, and an area that Tesla can improve. However, it’s crucial to use them if snow is building up on your windshield while driving.
To activate the front windshield defroster tap on the climate temperature at the bottom of the screen, then tap on the curved “Defrost” icon twice. The icon is placed to the right of the ‘Auto’ button on the climate screen.
Tapping the button once will activate the ‘Defog’ function and turn the icon blue. You’ll want to tap it again so that it turns red and the vehicle starts aiming heat toward the windshield.
To start the rear defroster, tap on the rectangular defrost icon next to the AC icon. Unlike the front defroster, the rear defroster only has a heat option.
Differences Between Defrost Button In the App and the Car
The defrost button in the app works slightly differently than the button in the vehicle. When activating the defrost option in the app, the vehicle will turn on the front and rear defrosters, as well as set the cabin temperature to the max, whereas in the vehicle, the front defrost button will only turn on the front defroster.
There is currently no way to turn on the front defogger from the app, but you can manually activate the climate system with a lower temperature to help defog the vehicle.
Turn On Heated Mirrors
All Tesla models include heated mirrors, but there isn’t a separate button to activate them. Instead, to turn on your heated mirrors, you’ll want to activate the rear defroster, which will automatically activate both the rear defrost and your heated mirrors.
Defrost Charge Port
The charge port heater is also activated when you turn on the rear defrost button in the vehicle or when you activate defrost from the Tesla app.
Customize Vehicle’s App Icons
For quicker access to the vehicle’s defrost buttons, you can add them to the row of icons at the bottom of the screen.
To customize the apps that appear along the bottom, simply tap and hold one of the icons until the ‘All Apps’ menu shows up with all available apps.
You can then drag the defrost button or any others to the bottom bar. Tap ‘Done’ above the apps menu to exit the customization mode.
Customize Tesla App Quick Actions
Similar to adding the Defrost icon to your vehicle’s bottom bar, you can tap and hold any of the icons underneath your vehicle’s 3D model to customize which options you want to have quick access to.
After tapping and holding any of the icons, you’ll be presented with a table of available options. You can then drag any items to the quick access area.
Although Tesla defaults to only showing four favorite actions, you can squeeze in a fifth icon. Just follow our steps in ‘How to Add a Fifth App Icon.’
Clearing Snow & Ice
If you preheated your vehicle, snow should be fairly easy to remove from the top of your vehicle. Thanks to the glass roof in most Teslas, the vehicle may have melted most of the snow off the top of the vehicle for you.
Use a soft brush or snow scraper to gently remove any remaining snow from the windshield, rear window, side mirrors, and lights. Avoid using hot water, as it can crack your windows.
Understanding how to defrost your Tesla and customize its settings ensures a safe and comfortable drive during some of the most crucial drives. Being able to remotely defrost or warm up your vehicle, even if it’s in an enclosed area is easily one of the best parts of owning an EV. Take advantage of it and stay warm!
By Kevin Armstrong
Andrej Karpathy, former Tesla Autopilot Director, offers a fascinating perspective on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) by drawing parallels with the evolution of self-driving technology. As the world grapples with the implications of AGI, Karpathy suggests that the trajectory of autonomous vehicles provides valuable insights into what AGI might entail and its impact on society.
The blog post has since been deleted, but you can still check it out here; Karpathy defines AGI as an autonomous system exceeding human capabilities in most economically valuable tasks. This definition hinges on two criteria: complete autonomy and broad economic applicability. According to Karpathy, the journey of self-driving technology exemplifies the societal dynamics of increasing automation and, by extension, AGI’s potential evolution.
The Gradual Rise of Automation
Self-driving technology stands out due to its high visibility, significant economic footprint, large human workforce, and the complex challenge of automating driving. Unlike other sectors that have seen automation, the path to self-driving is a prime example of AGI’s characteristics: accessibility, economic importance, workforce impact, and technical challenge.
Karpathy outlines the gradual development of driving automation. Initially, vehicles featured Level 2 driver assistance, where AI collaborates with humans in navigation, handling many low-level driving aspects while allowing human intervention. This partial automation is analogous to AI tools in various industries, like GitHub Copilot in programming, highlighting the incremental nature of AI advancement.
The leap to full automation, as seen in Waymo’s driverless cars, marks a significant milestone. In cities like San Francisco, Waymo offers autonomous rides in a small, geo-fenced area, however, it helps showcase a future where AI will surpass human driving abilities. The transition to full autonomy will depend on public awareness, trust, preferences, and supply constraints in creating a large automated fleet.
Global Expansion: Challenges and Opportunities
The globalization of full automation, Karpathy notes, is a gradual, resource-intensive process. Waymo’s current limitations to specific cities illustrate the challenges of expanding automated services, including adapting to local conditions and regulations. This expansion mirrors the broader trajectory of AGI deployment across various sectors, where scalability is both achievable and gradual.
Society’s reaction to self-driving technology parallels AGI’s potential impact. Despite significant advancements, public awareness and acceptance vary. Some view autonomous vehicles with curiosity and skepticism, while others adapt quickly. This range of responses suggests how society might adapt to AGI in various industries.
Economically, self-driving technology has both eliminated and created jobs. While driver roles are phased out, new positions in data labeling, remote support, fleet maintenance, and sensor technology emerge. This transformation reflects the broader economic implications of AGI, where work is not merely eliminated but refactored and reshaped.
The competitive landscape in self-driving technology, with companies like Waymo, Tesla, and others, mirrors the expected consolidation in AGI-related industries. As with self-driving, only a few companies may dominate the AGI space after an initial burst of growth and competition.
Karpathy envisions AGI as a gradual, society-involved evolution rather than a sudden, uncontrollable leap. Just as self-driving technology is transforming transportation, making it safer and more efficient, AGI promises to reshape various sectors.
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