Tesla Track Mode: The Ultimate Guide to Performance Optimization

JUN 5,2025,By lan

Share:

1. What is Tesla Track Mode?

Track Mode is a special system designed by Tesla to boost performance on the racetrack. It uses smart controls for the motors, regenerative braking, and traditional brakes to improve cornering and overall driving dynamics. When Track Mode is active, the cooling system works harder to handle extra heat during intense driving.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Dynamic Control System: Adjusts stability control and traction control for better cornering.
  • Regenerative Braking: Allows you to set the strength of regenerative braking.
  • Thermal Management: The cooling system runs at a higher level before, during, and after aggressive driving to prevent overheating.
  • Torque Distribution: Smartly splits torque between the front and rear axles for optimal handling.
  • Data Logging: Includes a Lap Timer and G-Meter for performance tracking.

2. Important Safety Notes

  • Driver Assistance features are disabled when Track Mode is ON.
  • The driver must always be in full control of the vehicle.
  • Driver Assistance features will re-enable automatically when Track Mode is OFF.
⚠
WARNING Track Mode is designed for use on closed circuit driving courses only. It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely and ensure others are not endangered. Do not use on public roads

3. Track Mode Version Comparison

Below is a comparison of different Track Mode versions for various Tesla models. Key features and release dates are highlighted.

Model & Version Release Date (North America) Main Features
Model 3 Performance
First Gen 		2018 (with Performance delivery) Basic race mode: stability and traction control, energy recovery, cooling system
Model 3 Performance
V2 		2020 (OTA update) Custom settings (torque split, stability assist), real-time G-meter, lap logging, requires version ≥2020.8
Model 3 Performance
V3 		2024 (OTA update) Adaptive suspension, endurance strategy, improved stability logic, upgraded UI and data visualization
Model Y Performance
First Gen 		2022 (OTA update) Similar to Model 3, supports lap timer and temperature monitoring
Model S Plaid
Plaid Exclusive 		2022 (OTA update) Adaptive suspension, auto "Low" height, supports 200mph, new cooling strategy
Model X Plaid
Not Released 		2023 (planned) Expected features similar to Model S Plaid

4. How to Enable and Use Track Mode (Video)

To enable Track Mode for your drive, follow these steps:

  1. Shift the car into Park.
  2. Tap Controls > Dynamics > Track Mode on the touchscreen.
  3. (Optional) Tap Customize (Model S) or Track Mode Settings (Model 3/Y) to adjust parameters.
  4. (Optional) Use the Lap Timer:
  • Drop a pin on the map for the start/finish line.
  • Tap START to begin timing. The timer resets automatically for each lap.

During driving, monitor:

  • Model S: Component status on the control panel.
  • Model 3/Y: Vehicle model color on the screen (blue = cool, red = overheating).

To turn off Track Mode:

  • Manually disable on the touchscreen
  • It will turn off automatically after shutting down the car (cooling status still visible).