Drifting?

[FutureBoy]

So with all the fancy stabilization and traction control that Tesla vehicles have, can they be used for drifting? Or is there a special drifting mode? I’m thinking all that torque would make drifting easy as long as the computers permitted it. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Tesla being drifted. There are a number of videos showing Teslas driving on snow packed roads. But those seem to further demonstrate the anti-skid control of the car.

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[Crissa]

That's a good question. With modern vehicles, you have to break their normal operation to do tricks like drifting.

Tesla does have a 'track mode'.

-Crissa

 

[Ehninger1212]

Just youtube search Tesla drifting, plenty of videos.

 

[egandalf]

If so, then I would have to think that the Cybertruck (and similarly geared EV pickups) would have to be the most driftable trucks off the production line due to the low center of gravity.

Not sure I'd do it, but holy moly would it be fun to watch!

 

[FutureBoy]

OK. So for drifting, there were some videos out there. Found one that had some interesting info. But it looks like this year a new update came out with a new Track Mode. In track mode, you can set up the car for drifting mode and even create other modes with whatever front vs rear-wheel drive you like. Plus how much stabilization and regen to use. Track mode also lets you time and save dashcam video and times of race laps. Sounds like a very interesting update.

 

[Newton]

im sure the duel and tri motor will have a setting for this, single as well i guess, theorictally you could run the front wheels backwards, and spin crazy fast.

 

[Dids]

I have managed to convince myself that Cybertruck is a pure steer by wire... then I think well why wouldn't it have 4 wheel steering? It is better than people realize after all...

 

[Newton]

I think the 4wheel steering is so unnecessary. Perhaps on the trimotor and up that would a cool option.

 

[FutureBoy]

I’d love 4 wheel steering but I’m not getting my hopes up. Would seriously rock if it had it though.

 

[PACEMD]

Right, so Tesla S3XY versions only have track mode on performance models. If the Cybertruck follows the usual pattern only the Tri-Motor CT would have track mode? I don't recall this being leaked/discussed but unlike ordering other current production models where track mode is specified with performance models, the preorders for the CT do not use that terminology, performance or track mode. The real order will have options to specify.

 

[HaulingAss]

Right, so Tesla S3XY versions only have track mode on performance models. If the Cybertruck follows the usual pattern only the Tri-Motor CT would have track mode? I don't recall this being leaked/discussed but unlike ordering other current production models where track mode is specified with performance models, the preorders for the CT do not use that terminology, performance or track mode. The real order will have options to specify.

I've drifted my Performance Model 3 on snow and ice - it's superior to ICE drifting because the throttle responds more instantly to increases or decreases in power. This is due, in part, to the fact that a Tesla has less rotational inertia in the drivetrain and partly due to the instantaneous and superior torque of electric motors. They are very light and powerful which help modulate traction more effectively. Track mode allows you to adjust the traction nannies from 0-100% and control the front/rear distribution of power.

Even when not in track mode my Tesla allows the rear end to kick out wide about 15-20 degrees before traction control locks it there. This is an amazing feeling because as the computer modulates power to maintain that yaw angle it feels like the hand of Jesus is holding the rear of the car in position.

 

[FutureBoy]

I've drifted my Performance Model 3 on snow and ice - it's superior to ICE drifting because the throttle responds more instantly to increases or decreases in power. This is due, in part, to the fact that a Tesla has less rotational inertia in the drivetrain and partly due to the instantaneous and superior torque of electric motors. They are very light and powerful which help modulate traction more effectively. Track mode allows you to adjust the traction nannies from 0-100% and control the front/rear distribution of power.

Even when not in track mode my Tesla allows the rear end to kick out wide about 15-20 degrees before traction control locks it there. This is an amazing feeling because as the computer modulates power to maintain that yaw angle it feels like the hand of Jesus is holding the rear of the car in position.

Now you are just tempting me to buy some cheap tires to go play with. I’m finding so many fun activities to try with the CT.

 

[Crissa]

Also, remember that Tesla offered track mode and speed upgrades retroactively as in-app purchases for qualifying older models.

So even if there isn't a Performance package at launch, there may be one later you can buy. But, yes, you probably will need the trimotor.

-Crissa

 

[Newton]

When its raining, for some strange reason my old miata has drift mode stuck on.

 

[FutureBoy]

When its raining, for some strange reason my old miata has drift mode stuck on.

Or is that penguin mode? Have you seen penguins walking on the ice? With the periodic slips where they fall on their butts.