Elon Musk, the CEO and largest shareholder of all-electric carmaker Tesla Motors, can’t resist a teaser.
During a conference call with reporters to announce details of its version 6.2 software that aims to end range anxiety forever, Musk provided a sneak peek on a few self-driving features that will be released in version 7. The 6.2 version will be released on Model S in about 10 days.
The 7.0 version of software, which will be updated on Model S cars later this year, will include a complete overhaul to the user interface, the addition of auto steering and an app that allows you to summon your car akin to the 1980s television series Knight Rider.
Tesla (TSLA) is conducting testing of the auto-steering feature on a route from San Francisco to Seattle.
“We’re now almost able to travel all the way from San Francisco to Seattle without the driver touching any controls at all,” Musk said Thursday. “So that’s pretty exciting.”
Musk said the company is hopeful that it can begin releasing the first auto steering features in about three months.
Drivers will also be able to summon their car using a mobile phone application as long as the car is on private property. Using the Tesla app, drivers will press a button and the car will come and find you, Musk said. Push the button again, and the car will put itself to “bed” in the garage and close the door.
