In addition to the controversial steering wheel, there was another thing that stood out inside the renovated Tesla Model S and Model X : the disappearance of the rods that controlled the turn signals and the transmission. And if, in the first case, the direction change indicators (aka turn signals) started to be activated through tactile controls on the steering wheel, the selection of the transmission position (P, R, N, D) remained unknown.
Now, thanks to the “power of social media” we find out how reverse gear selection is made in the Tesla Model S and Model X magazines.
In this way, as I had already done with most physical controls, the functions of the rod that controlled the transmission of the Model S and Model X were also transferred to the (huge) central screen:
Ok, so this is how u change gears on the new S/X ?? @elonmusk @tesla pic.twitter.com/dXtsSzQBAS
— Michael Hsu (@hsumacher) March 24, 2021
“Autonomous” future
When the driver wants to go back, he simply drags a small icon down on the screen and thus selects reverse gear on the revamped Tesla Model S and Model X. To go forward, he simply drags that icon up.
Despite this solution, it seems that Tesla intends in the future to add to the Model S and Model X the “Smart Shift” system which should use the Autopilot system and artificial intelligence to allow the car to “decide” when it has to go forward or to behind.
No more stalks. Car guesses drive direction based on what obstacles it sees, context & nav map. You can override on touchscreen.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2021
As a matter of fact, according to a Tweet by Elon Musk, the goal is also to use this system to allow the car to automatically turn on the “turn signals”.