That the next-generation Tesla Roadster will have an “Augmented Mode” designed to “massively enhance human driving ability,” according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Definitely. Will also have Augmented Mode that will massively enhance human driving ability. Like a flying metal suit, but in car form …
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 8, 2018
“Like a flying metal suit,” he tweeted in a reference to comic book superhero Iron Man’s tech-powered suit of armor. He did not offer any technical details or descriptions of how “Augmented Mode” would operate.
If “Augmented Mode” proves to “massively enhance human driving ability,” let’s hope other cars can have the feature too.
Tesla watchers believe Musk was referring to an augmented reality technology, which places computer-generated images into a user’s view of the real world. You can imagine a range of applications for the car, from maps, to safety warnings, to highlighting roadside services or attractions.
Musk said the feature is aimed at improving driving, which makes sense considering the ferocious nature of the upcoming Roadster. The base version clocks a 0-60 mph time of 1.9 seconds and the quarter-mile in 8.9 seconds at 250 mph. Again, that’s the base version. It may take a superhero to pilot the performance model.
The next generation Roadster is scheduled for release in 2020.