There’s been a flurry of news concerning Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA] and its compulsive Tweeting CEO Elon Musk these past couple of weeks, and it looks like the pace of news isn’t about to slow anytime soon. Today, we have details about new self-driving features coming to the Model S.
Last fall, Tesla announced an "Autopilot" feature that provided the Model S with some basic self-driving functions, such as being able to read speed signs and make lane changes. Eventually, the Autopilot will be enhanced via software updates to give the Model S self-driving capability on the highway from on-ramp to off-ramp, though there’s been no mention of a timeframe for this—until now.
ALSO SEE: Tesla Model S ‘Ends Range Anxiety’ With New Range Assurance, Trip Planner Updates, Says Elon Musk
According to Musk, who thinks fully autonomous cars may one day lead to actual driving being outlawed, a software update scheduled for release in about three months will enable the Model S to handle highways and major roads by itself. Speaking in a conference call, he said that the self-driving technology was technically capable of handling urban areas, though he said Tesla will disable the Autopilot in these situations, citing safety concerns.
Tesla Model S Autopilot system
During the call, Musk also revealed that the Autopilot feature will allow a Model S to be summoned by the driver via smartphone or told to go park itself. That feature will be allowed only on private property for now, however.
These features will be offered through a firmware update version 7.0. In the coming weeks, Tesla will release firmware update 6.2 that aims to help deal with range anxiety in addition to offering improved accelerator and brake feel, a new 155 mph top speed for the Model S P85D, and some new safety features, like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning.
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