Buckle up, because Tesla just dropped a bombshell update that’s sure to divide opinions: the ‘Mad Max’ Full Self-Driving Speed Profile, its fastest and most aggressive driving mode yet. But here’s where it gets controversial—is this a game-changer for efficiency, or a risky move that pushes autonomous driving too far? Let’s dive in.
On Wednesday, Tesla rolled out the v14.1.2 Software Update, introducing the much-anticipated ‘Mad Max’ mode, which now surpasses the ‘Hurry’ profile as the most spirited option in its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite. Tesla’s Head of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, teased the update earlier that evening, cryptically posting a racecar and smoke emoji on X (formerly Twitter), leaving fans guessing. And this is the part most people miss—while many speculated it would be the ‘Banish’ feature, a parking assistant to complement the Actually Smart Summon (ASS), Tesla instead doubled down on speed and aggression.
The release notes describe ‘Mad Max’ as offering higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than ‘Hurry,’ a mode already known for its assertive driving style. This raises questions: Is this mode tailored for high-stress traffic environments like Los Angeles, as Elon Musk hinted back in 2019? Or does it risk alienating cautious drivers and raising safety concerns? What do you think—is ‘Mad Max’ a bold innovation or a step too far?
Musk first mentioned ‘Mad Max’ mode in 2018, linking it to the Tesla Semi, and later teased it as an ideal solution for aggressive traffic. Now that it’s here, it’s worth noting that ‘Mad Max’ isn’t entirely new—a similarly named mode existed in the late 2010s but was seemingly retooled for this update. We’ll be testing it soon to see how it performs in real-world scenarios and whether it lives up to the hype.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture—Tesla’s FSD updates are part of a broader push to refine autonomous driving, with v14.1.1 already addressing issues like stuttering at intersections. The ‘Banish’ feature, which would allow your Tesla to drop you off and park itself, remains a highly anticipated addition, though it wasn’t included in this update. Could it be next on the horizon?
Meanwhile, Tesla continues to navigate challenges, from the loss of the $7,500 EV tax credit to the ongoing saga over Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package, which has been denied by Delaware courts despite shareholder approval. Tesla’s proposed new package, potentially worth $1 trillion, ties Musk’s compensation to ambitious milestones like an $8.5 trillion market cap. Is this a fair reward for Musk’s leadership, or an excessive gamble?
As Tesla pushes the boundaries of innovation, from faster FSD modes to trillion-dollar pay plans, one thing’s clear: the company isn’t afraid to take risks. But the question remains—are these risks worth it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
