Tesla Model 3 Track Mode Explained


Tesla Model 3 Track Mode Explained

So, you want a little more control over your self-driving car. Lucky for you, Tesla’s Model 3 Track Mode can not only park for you, but it can be programmed to perfectly fit all of your performance needs, on and off the racetrack. Besides, you’re the one that should have your hands on the wheel of a vehicle that can go 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds.

Track Mode in the Tesla Model 3 provides a mixture of customizable enhancements in order to deliver the most elite level of performance an electric powertrain can offer. From torque distribution to advanced software, the driver can provide constant feedback to the vehicle, so it responds exactly to how it’s being driven.

While this gives a nice overview of the major advancements Track Mode can offer, Tesla never does anything at surface level. Continue reading for the detailed ins and outs of Track Mode for the Tesla Model 3.

Notable Features of Tesla Model 3 Track Mode

Below, we’ll cover the most prominent ways Track Mode enhances the control Model 3 drivers have over the handling and performance of their vehicle.

Torque and Regenerative Braking

In Track Mode, more torque equals better performance and turning. So, what is torque, exactly, other than a cool sounding word?

Torque is basically the rotational force that comes from the engine. It gets delivered to the vehicle’s wheels and is responsible for the tires’ ability to hold the car in a.

Braking in Track Mode

Regenerative braking is a system that allows the driver to essentially drive with one pedal. Rather than going back and forth between the gas and brake, the driver can let off the gas at a certain point in a turn.

Track Mode’s braking gauges how much rotation to allow or not to assist the driver through the turn without having to hit the brake, then go back to the gas coming out of the turn.

Taking Corners in Track Mode

As if this wasn’t enough, taking corners with Track Mode has become a science.

Thanks to Track Mode, you can actually use your brakes to give you more speed coming out of a turn, rather than slow you down.

The car reduces the torque applied to the inside wheels, controlling how much traction is forced on the outside tires, reducing the amount the car might slip, taking sharp corners quickly. This means you will have more power output saved for coming out of the turn and getting back to top speed.

Enhanced Cooling Systems

Driving on a track requires a much higher output of energy, and therefore heat delivered to the engine. Track Mode adjusted the cooling system to allow longer driving sessions, as well as quicker cooling in between sessions.

With an increased refrigeration capacity, you can drive harder, longer, and be back on the track in no time at all.

As with most cases, too much of anything leads to a bad thing. If a machine can’t perform the way you want and need it to, particularly on a track where more risky driving is taking place, then you’ll be in a dangerous position.

The ability for Tesla to keep this car at a safe temperature regardless of how hard you push it can keep your mind on the road rather than wondering if your car is going to quit before you do.

Perfected Software = Fewer Restrictions

For the most part, and especially when we drive, we want a sense of predictability and safety. But if you’re interested in the Tesla Model 3 Track Mode, you’re not looking for limitations and extra safety features: you’re looking for adventure.

Most vehicles have what’s known as a stability control system that kicks in when you need to make those quick moves in emergency situations. For adventure-seeking Tesla drivers, standard stability control can be too restrictive.

Tesla created their own unique software known as the Vehicle Dynamics Controller, which acts both as a stability system but doesn’t restrict the driver from making the sharp moves that he or she would want the ability to make on a racetrack.

How to Activate Track Mode on Tesla Model 3

Since Track Mode is uploaded through your vehicle’s computer, you can enter a new world of driving in seconds:

  • You must be in Park to change to Track Mode
  • Tap the car icon on the touchscreen
  • Then go to ‘Driving’
  • Tap’ Track Mode’

It really couldn’t be easier. You’ll know Track Mode is no because you’ll see the word “TRACK” above your speed display.

You can disable track mode by turning it off on the touchscreen. It will also be disabled once you switch off the ignition and the engine cools down. You will have to switch it on again the next time you intend to use it.

Track Mode vs. Track Mode V2

Track Mode and Track Mode V2 are very similar outside of a few updates. V2 allows the driver to customize the driving a bit more, saving settings to how he or she might prefer the braking and torque to handle turns and stability.

V2 is also free to have uploaded to your vehicle’s computer software and is separate from the Track Mode hardware. More customization, less money, and even more of a race car feel? Yes, please.

V2 is a ‘must’ if you’re taking Tesla Model 3 to the track.

Is Track Mode Only for Racetracks and Closed Circuits?

Ideally, Track Mode is meant for sharp turns, no brakes, and evasive maneuvers that normal streets can’t accommodate. However, if you live in an area that has lots of turns, heavy traffic, or the Autobahn, then Track Mode could definitely be applied.

Although it seems that Track Mode is exclusive to a track or “professional” driver, it still has featured that the everyday driver could benefit from.

More control and better handling work for anyone. And if you find yourself in an emergency situation that requires quick action, then these same features of keeping you in control of the car and not allowing a machine to override instinct will be on your side.

Tesla Model 3 Pricing and Competition

Now to the make-or-break topic. As mentioned, Tesla seems to have the greatest bang for your buck with regards to electric vehicles. Although other high-end vehicles are being manufactured to compete, nothing can beat the price of the Model 3 and have all the same bells and whistles.

For the Track Mode upgrade, you will pay an additional $5,500, and the upgrade will be installed directly into your car’s computer.

Audi and Jaguar are probably the closest to competing with Tesla, with full electric capabilities and sleek designs.

  • The Audi e-tron offers a package with lane and turning assist for an additional $3,500 but only tops out at a range of 222 miles.
  • The Jaguar I-Pace has asimilar price to Audi but is still much higher than the starting price of the Model 3. The I-Pace only has a range of 234 miles, again significantly less than the Model 3.

Oh, and did I mention that the Audi and Jaguar take about 5 seconds to go 0-60mph? That won’t suffice for someone looking for a package like the Tesla Model 3 Track Mode, which will you to that same speed in 3.1 seconds, with a range of over 300 miles.

Make and ModelStarting Price
Tesla Model 3 (with Track Mode package)$37,990 ($43,499)
Audi e-tron$65,900
Jaguar I-Pace$69,850

You can see that Tesla Model 3 with Track Mode is consistently more affordable than some of its luxury brand competitors.

Conclusion

Overall, the Tesla Model 3 with Track Mode gives you performance and control that is unequaled, even among its closest competitors. While most of Track Mode’s features show off best on a closed-circuit track, any Model 3 driver can benefit from the customized control, and precision handling Track Mode brings.

Tesla Discounts:

Greg

The articles here on ThatTeslaChannel.com are created by Greg, a Tesla vehicle and Tesla solar expert with nearly half a decade of hands-on experience. The information on this site is fact-checked and tested in-person to ensure the best possible level of accuracy.

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