Tesla CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that the Tesla Model S and Model X will receive a major software update that will bring the long-awaited autonomous driving features to Tesla's electric sedan and its newly unveiled electric crossover.
On Twitter, Musk shared over the weekend that Tesla Version 7 software will start rolling out over-the-air to the Model S and Model X beginning Oct. 15, Thursday, over a five-day rollout that will end next week.
Some exciting news this week: Tesla Version 7 software with Autopilot goes to wide release on Thursday!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 11, 2015
Musk confirms Version 7 will bring a number of important self-driving features to both models, making them the first two vehicles on the road to have autonomous driving capabilities.
These include Tesla's Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC), the highway autopilot feature that has been in beta testing since August. TACC is not a completely autonomous feature, as it still requires drivers to keep their eyes on the road. However, it makes highway steering a bit easier for them by keeping the vehicle within its lane using a host of sensors of cameras that detect the lanes and the vehicles in front.
The software update will also bring self-parallel parking features to the Model S and Model X. Responding to users asking questions on Twitter, Musk says the ability for the car to park itself in and out of a garage like an electronic valet will come when Version 7.1 rolls out at an unspecified date.
@aikisteve @andrewshiamone V7.1 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 11, 2015
A video leak posted earlier by DragTimes on YouTube showcases the various new features users can expect when their Teslas get updated later this week. Aside from the highway autosteer and self-parallel parking Musk mentions, users will be gaining more control over the Model X's falcon-wing doors, allowing them to automate controls straight from the dashboard.
The update will also reportedly bring a Very Low setting for ride height, which can be turned on when the car goes above a certain speed to reduce drag and improve efficiency. Customers who have the Subzero Weather package will also be able to use an All Off button to deactivate weather controls such as a heated steering wheel, wipers and defrosters.
Lastly, users can expect a more simplified, streamlined interface for their 17-inch center screen, although Musk says bigger UI changes are in store in Version 7.1.
