Buckle up, Tesla fans! The future of Full Self-Driving just got a whole lot faster – and maybe a little scarier. Tesla has unleashed its brand-new 'Mad Max' speed profile, promising the most aggressive autonomous driving experience yet. But is it a thrilling leap forward, or a recipe for robotic road rage?
According to Teslarati, the 'Mad Max' mode arrived with the v14.1.2 Software Update on Wednesday, quickly surpassing the existing 'Hurry' setting as the top choice for drivers craving a spirited ride. This update, initially teased by Tesla's Head of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, as a 'much-awaited feature' for Early Access Program (EAP) members, had the internet buzzing with speculation.
Many, including yours truly, initially thought the big reveal would be the 'Banish' feature. Imagine this: your Tesla drops you off right at the entrance of your destination, then magically finds a parking spot and parks itself. It would be the perfect extension to Tesla's 'Actually Smart Summon' (ASS) feature. But here's where it gets interesting... Elluswamy's post on X (formerly Twitter) ended with a race car emoji followed by a smoke trail. That clearly hinted at something speed-related, and we weren't wrong.
The v14.1.2 update confirmed the arrival of 'Mad Max' mode. According to the release notes, this new profile boasts 'higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than Hurry.' Now, the 'Hurry' mode already felt pretty assertive, mirroring the driving styles you often see on busy interstates, especially when it comes to lane changes. I've personally found it to be quite realistic.
So, how much more aggressive can 'Mad Max' really be? That's the question on everyone's mind. And this is the part most people miss: this isn't just about speed. It's about behavior. Will it cut people off? Will it make risky maneuvers? The possibilities, both exciting and terrifying, are endless.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been hinting at 'Mad Max' mode for years. Back in 2018, he first mentioned it in connection with the Tesla Semi. Then, in 2019, he suggested it would be perfect for navigating the notoriously aggressive traffic of Los Angeles. There was even a similar setting briefly available years ago. Musk himself even acknowledged the need for such a mode in chaotic places like the LA Freeway.
Now that 'Mad Max' is finally here, it begs the question: is this a step too far? Will it lead to more accidents, or will it simply provide a more efficient (albeit potentially nerve-wracking) driving experience? There's a delicate balance between aggressive driving and safe driving, and it remains to be seen where 'Mad Max' falls on that spectrum. Some might argue that this caters to a specific, perhaps overly assertive, driving style, while others will praise Tesla for pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving.
One thing is for sure: 'Mad Max' mode is bound to spark debate. Will it make your commute faster and more efficient, or will it turn your Tesla into a robotic road warrior? What are your thoughts? Are you excited to try 'Mad Max' mode, or are you concerned about its potential risks? Share your opinions in the comments below!
