Latest news with #TeslaModelS
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Family Sues Tesla Over Deadly Model S Crash
Tesla's suite of partially self-driving technologies is a double-edged sword. The tech is praised by many for taking the effort out of commuting, but on the other side, it has been harshly criticized for being implicated in a number of crashes. Some of these crashes have been fatal, and it has led to a new lawsuit being filed against Tesla for an accident that took place in September 2024, in which three people were killed when a 2024 Tesla Model S crashed. The incident took place on New Jersey's Garden State Parkway. According to Reuters, the three people who were killed in the crash were David Dryerman (54), his wife Michele (54), and their daughter Brooke (17). Max Dryerman, the older brother of Brooke, is also a plaintiff but was not in the car at the time of the crash. The Dryerman family were on the way back from a music festival on September 14 when the incident occurred. The electric sedan veered off the road before hitting a sign, a guardrail, and a concrete bridge support. According to the complaint, issues with the car's design resulted in it leaving its lane, and the automatic emergency braking system did not activate. All three family members were said to be buckled up at the time. "Thousands of Tesla drivers have relied on Tesla's ADAS technology as though it were capable of safe, fully autonomous self-driving with minor software updates when in fact it is incapable of safely handling a variety of routine roadway scenarios without driver input," the complaint said via Pace Monitor(subscription required). Furthermore, the crash was blamed on the car's "defective and unreasonably dangerous design." Related: Hands-Free Showdown: BlueCruise, Super Cruise, Autopilot. Which One Owns the Highway? Every new Tesla still functions most safely with an attentive driver behind the wheel, something the EV giant itself has emphasized. However, language used by Elon Musk and by the brand in marketing its tech have conflicted with this. The complaint specifically mentioned a statement by Musk in 2016, when he said Autopilot was "probably better" than human drivers. Furthermore, the full suite of driver aids has been referred to as Full Self-Driving by Tesla for years, despite the cars not being capable of self-driving in every single scenario. Currently, you can still order what is called Full Self-Driving on a Model S, but Tesla has added the word "Supervised" to the suite's name. "Your car will be able to drive itself almost anywhere with minimal driver intervention," says a current statement on the brand's site. Related: Tesla is responsible for more fatal accidents than any other carmaker - the reason why may surprise you It's easy to see how this messaging can still be poorly interpreted by some drivers, and an analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that there was a "critical safety gap between drivers' expectations of the L2 system's operating capabilities and the system's true capabilities." This analysis specifically focused on Tesla models produced between the 2012 and 2023 model years. Following pressure from the NHTSA, Tesla agreed to recall over two million cars in late 2023 to include new safeguards for the Autopilot system. However, the car involved in this case is a 2024 model, so it's clear that there is still work to be done, assuming that the car's tech is the main cause of the unfortunate crash. Both the plaintiffs' lawyers and Musk himself have not yet commented on the Dryerman case. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Model S lawsuit filed after fatal crash in New Jersey
Tesla is facing a lawsuit over a fatal accident in New Jersey, US, where a 2024 Model S, equipped with autopilot and full self-driving features, was involved in a crash that killed three family members, reported Reuters. The death lawsuit was filed in federal court in Camden, New Jersey, alleging that the vehicle's "defective and unreasonably dangerous design" led to the deaths of David Dryerman, 54; his wife Michele, 54; and their daughter Brooke, 17. The family was returning from a music festival on 14 September 2024 when their car veered off the road and collided with several roadside structures. The plaintiffs, which include the estates of the deceased and Brooke's older brother, Max Dryerman, are seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. The complaint criticises Tesla for not warning the driver, David Dryerman, of the potential risks, referencing CEO Elon Musk's past claims that autopilot was "probably better" than human drivers. Tesla has not yet responded to the lawsuit. The company has previously stated that its self-driving features require "fully attentive" drivers with their hands on the wheel, despite not making the vehicles autonomous. In response to demands from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tesla agreed to recall over two million vehicles in the US in December 2023 to implement additional safeguards to its Autopilot ADAS. This legal action adds to the ongoing scrutiny of Tesla's self-driving technology's safety. According to the lawsuit, the Model S's design flaws caused it to leave its lane and fail to engage emergency braking, contributing to the severity of the crash. The Dryermans were reportedly wearing their seat belts at the time of the incident. The complaint said: "Thousands of Tesla drivers have relied on Tesla's ADAS technology as though it were capable of safe, fully autonomous self-driving with minor software updates when in fact it is incapable of safely handling a variety of routine roadway scenarios without driver input.' "Tesla Model S lawsuit filed after fatal crash in New Jersey" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Motor Trend
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 Tesla Model S Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
The Tesla Model S is an electric car. When it launched for 2013, the Model S was Tesla's first mainstream electric car. Various updates have been applied to the Model S over the years, including a substantial refresh made for 2022. Tesla has made a few more changes for 2026. Rivals to the Model S include the Lucid Air, Audi A6 E-Tron, and BMW i5. What's New Basics Updated suspension tuning to yield a more comfortable ride A quieter cabin Claimed range rises to 410 miles on the AWD model, up from 405. With 21s, range is 380 miles. Plaid model has a claimed 368-mile range, up from 359. With 21s, range is 328 miles. Exterior Mildly updated headlights and taillights, with adaptive-beam headlights Updated lower front fascia New Frost Blue exterior color option Attractive new 19- and 21-inch wheel designs Front-facing camera to aid in parking maneuvers Interior Updated "dynamic" ambient lighting on the dashboard and doors Inside the 2026 Model S The 2026 Model S' interior is merely decent, not competitive with truly luxurious electric sedans. The simple, streamlined design is available in three interior hues: black, white, and beige. As ever, a large 17.4-inch central touchscreen is a primary design feature and unlike the Model 3 and Model Y, the Model S continues to have a standard driver display. That 12.3-inch display in front is joined by a 9.4-inch touchscreen for rear-seat passengers. New Model S Power and Performance—2026 Plaid? As is the case today, the standard 2026 Model S is a dual-motor AWD setup making approximately 670 hp, providing a 0–60 mph time of about 3.1 seconds. In an attempt to steal back acceleration records from the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach, Tesla may one day introduce an upgraded version of the triple-motor Model S Plaid with even more power than the 1,020 hp it has now. It would need to launch from 0–60 mph in less than 1.89 seconds if it wants to beat that epic Taycan. For now, we continue to wish the Model S Plaid came with fortified brakes to effectively and repeatedly counter its strong acceleration. Model S Range and Charging Currently, all versions of the Model S come with a 100-kWh battery pack. Depending on specification, it can cover between approximately 328 and 410 miles on a charge, a bit more than the 2025 model. Maximum charge rate tops out at 250 kW. Like all Tesla cars and an increasing number of vehicles from other automakers, the 2026 Model S has access to the Supercharger network. Self-Driving Model S? The 2026 Model S comes equipped with Autopilot assist features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The so-called Full Self-Driving (FSD) software will also be available for an extra charge, allowing for hands-free driving on essentially any public road. In our experience, FSD is prone to erratic behavior and dumb decision making that calls into question its safety and utility. Other Electric Sedans: Lucid Air Porsche Taycan BMW i5 Audi A6 E-Tron
NDTV
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Tesla Model S, Model X Receive Minor Design And Range Revisions
The USA-based electric car manufacturer - Tesla, has rolled out minor updates to its Model S sedan and Model X SUV for buyers around the world. These changes focus on practical improvements, like better range, increased comfort, and quieter cabins, while keeping the core design of the vehicles untouched. Tesla Model S & Model X: Exterior Changes The updates to the exterior are subtle. Both models now have updated alloy wheels, 19-inches for the Model S and 20-inches for the Model X with options to upgrade to 21-inches and 22-inches respectively. The Plaid trims feature sportier bumpers, designed for better stability at high speeds. Additionally, Plaid versions now come with a forward-facing camera and a new "Frost Blue" paint option. Tesla Model S & Model X: Interior Updates Tesla has worked on the improvement of the cabin's comfort and NVH levels. The interior features customizable ambient lighting with new color options and an updated welcome sequence for drivers and passengers. Active Noise Cancellation has also been improved, reducing outside noise, especially on highways. One notable change is that the yoke-style steering wheel is now only available on Plaid models and is no longer standard on other versions. Tesla Model S & Model X: Range and Performance Upgrades Tesla's latest models feature a notable increase in range. The Model S Long Range now offers up to 660 km on a single charge, making it the longest-range option from Tesla to date. However, these enhancements come with some trade-offs. The top speed of the Model S Plaid has been reduced from 321 kmph to 240 kmph, for which Tesla has not provided specific reasons. The Model X has also seen improvements, with the Long Range version achieving 567 km and the Plaid version reaching 539 km, which is an increase of 61 km and 33 km, respectively. Tesla Model S & Model X: Price The updated Model S and Model X come with a price increase of 5,000 USD (approximately Rs 4.3 Lakh). Tesla refers to these changes as an upgrade rather than a full redesign.
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Tesla Model Y fails self-driving test, hits child-sized dummies 8 times: Why Elon Musk should be worried
At a recent demonstration in Texas, a Tesla Model Y operating in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode was shown failing to stop for a stationary school bus and striking child-sized dummies. The tests, organised by advocacy groups The Dawn Project, Tesla Takedown, and ResistAustin, replicated the scenario eight times, each time with the Tesla Model Y ignoring the bus's flashing lights and stop signs. Video footage from the demonstration showed the vehicle driving past the bus and colliding with the mannequins intended to represent children. The demonstration has raised fresh concerns about the readiness of autonomous vehicle technology. Tesla's system—officially named Full Self-Driving (Supervised)—requires active driver supervision and issues escalating warnings if the driver does not respond. The company has repeatedly cautioned users that failure to comply could lead to serious injury or death. While Tesla was not involved in the demonstration, this is not the first time its autonomous technology has drawn scrutiny. In April 2024, a Tesla Model S using FSD was involved in a fatal accident in Washington State, in which a motorcyclist was killed. The Dawn Project, whose founder Dan O'Dowd also leads a company developing competing driver-assistance software, has previously run campaigns highlighting perceived flaws in Tesla's FSD system. The incident comes amid anticipation surrounding Tesla's new Cybercab, an all-electric, fully autonomous vehicle initially set for rollout on 22 June. Chief Executive Elon Musk has since hinted at a delay, saying the company is 'being super paranoid about safety' and suggesting the first vehicle to autonomously drive from the factory to a customer's home could launch on 28 June. Tentatively, June 22. We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift. First Tesla that drives itself from factory end of line all the way to a customer house is June 28. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2025 As the debate around autonomous vehicle safety intensifies, the industry continues to face questions about whether current technology can meet the expectations—and responsibilities—of full autonomy.
