This is What Part 2 Will Be

deesugar_98007138

Part 1 was showing everyone what the car looked like and the powertrain, this was a very car-centric reveal. Part 2 is going to be about the things that weren't discussed and that's namely the Autonomous capability and all the other electronic related stuff. Think part 2 as more of an iPhone event.

Elon basically gave away one of the secrets to part 2 which is there will be a futuristic steering system, most likely a steering wheel with a flexible OLED touch display. That's why there was nothing to been see on the dash. HUD is old, not interactive and not suitable for the environment of a car, let alone with that much glass. And lets be very clear, a car that is for the masses is not taking out the steering wheel on the first try. Full Autonomous driving features will ramp up slowly for both safety and legal issues, so in the meantime don't expect any car coming out in the next 1-2 years to have no steering wheel. The robotic memorized line from all the Tesla employees during the event about the 15-inch replacing the dash screen "Giving more access to the passenger.." was an obvious smoke screen to avoid talking about the real plans.

You can bet the Tesla OS is going through a major overhaul with a bunch of new integrated features. Autonomous driving alone requires a lot more features and to be a lot more integrated. It will most likely introduce the ability to enter destinations and work with the map. The steering wheel touch display will probably be way more integrated then the dash display ever was. It will probably be able to switch into different modes like from navigation to media mode and probably allow some customization's. Depending on the size of the steering wheel touch display there may be either very few physical steering wheel controls to zero. Meaning everything from turning signals to wipers could be controlled from the interface if they choose to go that way. This also means that the display will have some sort of image stabilization relative to the movement of the steering wheel. Since this is a vehicle for the masses we can expect there's going to be an integration of new services through partnerships that will also show up on the updated OS. This will allow Tesla to make more money on the Model 3 through value added services.

There might be some other stuff but I expect this to be basically what we will be looking at when Part 2 comes around.


**I have no insider info and this is speculatory**

inconel

HUD I hope. Not steering wheel display.

jordanrichard_629778

And where exactly on the steering wheel do you picture these screens being placed, on the spokes?

deesugar_98007138

Jordanrichard
The screen will probably be the spoke or spokes. It could even maintain a constant image position when turning the wheel. So when the wheel starts turning the screen stays level and a constant image is displayed just as on the dash.

V.travis_98040159

@jordan yes... This would mean that any display in the SW would have to dynamically turn relative to the SW's position. I really doubt we will see a SW mounted display. I also think that a HUD is unlikely... I think they are too unreliable in bright conditions.. Although, I will admit I don't have another viable option for what is 'spaceship' like design...

Chunky Jr.

I think part 2 will be where we learn more about specs, configurations, and the stuff they want to surprise us with.

Captain_Zap

A display on a steering wheel would be hard on the eyes. Too close.

jordanrichard_629778

Well, I can see the present thumb wheels being replaced with touch screens, but not for reading any info. Too small and definitely would require you to take your eyes off the road too long to read.

fyun89_98039859

I really wish they would include ventilated seats.. Better for energy saving and comfort..

henry_98040149

I doubt they would put a large screen on the steering wheel. But I do remember the original Model X had smaller screens by the thumbs like @jordanrichard mentioned

<img src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/40161354/Tesla-Model-X-Steering-Wheel-iPod-Nano-Like-Thumb-Controls.jpg"&gt;

deesugar_98007138

@Henry
There is no way Elon would put some little thumb screens on and call that a spaceship. That's why you have to think bigger, the way Elon does.

deesugar_98007138

@Captain_Zap
If you think that's too close I recommend you don't ever google about VR

Sparky

I suspect that the DOT will require full steering control in the event of a total power failure at speed, therefore a steering wheel is almost a certainty. That's why your Father's (or Grampa's) old Chrysler Newport had a large diameter steering wheel despite the fact that you could steer it with your pinky. If the engine quit the reversion to "armstrong steering" was quite dramatic.

So an HD flexible display within the steering wheel sounds like a good guess, and if it's stabilized and displayed at infinity it would be a bit like a spaceship wouldn't it?

I just hope that they make the dashboard behind the steering wheel look a little more interesting than a bank teller's countertop, but, like everyone else, I'll just to wait and see.

henry_98040149

@deesugar I didn't say that was the space ship solution Elon was talking about. Just pointing out that the Model X early prototypes had the thumb screens. Not sure why they didn't make it to the production car but keep in mind that all these ideas have to pass regulations to make it to production.

deesugar_98007138

@henry
It probably didn't make it because it evolved into something bigger, like what we'll see on the Model 3 and they didn't have time to get it done for the Model X.

hcwhy

If the steering is "drive by wire" (actuated by computer feed rather than by mechanics) there are options other than a traditional steering wheel . Perhaps side mounted joysticks? These are on modern aircraft and pilots find them to be user friendly. The joysticks open up the cabin tremendously. Could this be the "feel of a space ship" Elon was talking about? Surely mind reading hardware couldn't happen just yet...could it?

AlMc

Part deux: Retractable steering wheel, HUD and hardware allowing for the capability of AD, when it becomes 'legal'

AND: Choice of sedan or CUV on the same platform.

deesugar_98007138

@hcwhy,
You have both local and national laws and regulations that dictate car controls. You can't reverse the brake pedal for the gas and you can't do a lot of other things. Steering wheel design is also regulated and things like having a minimum outside diameter of 13 inches have to be adhered to.

JeffreyR

Mollom is blocking my photo example. I'll add a little more text to see if that helps.
I was thinking of @henry's post above or something like this:

Mollom blocked it. You'll have to search for "touch screen steering wheel" yourself.

But someone pointed out when I mentioned this solution before that it would be hard to have a screen in the center of the steering wheel and an airbag too. The airbag certainly could not burst out from behind the screen. Not sure how you solve that problem. I find it difficult to use controls on the steering wheel spokes. My favorite cruise control "control" is the much derided MB stalk. But, then again, mine is older and much simpler (and I am used to it).

Supposedly RHD will be very simple to do w/ the design concept Tesla is building. Since it's drive-by-wire technology I can see how that might be possible. Moving the "dash" screen to the steering wheel, a HUD, or eliminating entirely would definitely help w/ that.

dsvick_98030126

I'd rather have to look at the large display on the side than a smaller one on the steering wheel, less of a shift in perspective and less focusing change required.

deesugar_98007138

@JeffreyR
It's a flexible screen, so both the horn and airbag will not effect it.

dsvick_98030126

<strong>It's a flexible screen, so both the horn and airbag will not effect it</strong>
How can an airbag bursting through it not affect it - I don't care how flexible it is.

maclean525_98040614

Think MUCH bigger. Think full-screen windshield HUD.

deesugar_98007138

@dsvick
Airbags burst through seams. I can visualize lots of ways you could make it work. There really isn't any kind of design complication with it. OLED screen or screens in general use very small thin flexible connectors. The rest is attached however you want.

Tropopause

Don't forget about low-cost production goal. Space ships are a tad pricey.

mos6507_98031159

Something like the Bolt is the classic lazy approach to cost-cutting. Model 3 is finding a way to cram as much gee-whiz into $35K as possible.