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16h ago

U.S. Auto Regulator Seeks Details on Tesla’s ‘Mad Max’ FSD Mode

Social-media videos showing Teslas exceeding speed limits have triggered new questions during a broader federal review of the driver-assistance system.

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In the summertime, under the sunny sky, a car drives along the country road, creating a mesmerizing motion blur effect. As it speeds ahead, the surrounding environment becomes a blur of colors and shapes. Trees pass by in a rural landscape, accentuating the sense of a long journey. This exhilarating travel experience captures the thrill of speed and the allure of the open road.
A Tesla Model 3 vehicle drives using FSD (Full Self-Driving) in Encinitas, California, U.S., October 18, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
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Overview

  • NHTSA said Friday it is contacting Tesla to gather information about the new high-speed driving profile and reiterated that drivers remain responsible for obeying traffic laws.
  • The v14.1.2 FSD update added Mad Max, described by Tesla as allowing higher speeds and more frequent lane changes than previous profiles, alongside a more conservative “Sloth” option.
  • Owners and influencers posted clips of FSD driving 85 mph on 65‑mph highways and even 65 in a 35 zone, fueling concerns that the mode operates above posted limits.
  • The outreach comes as NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation of about 2.9 million Teslas reviews 58 reports tied to FSD behavior, including 14 crashes, 23 injuries, red‑light runs and wrong‑way travel.
  • Tesla has not commented but reposted praise for Mad Max’s aggressive driving; the company continues rolling out the v14.1.x series, with v14.1.3 reaching more owners this week.