Tesla’s 17 Coolest Hidden Features

Rainbow Road

Tesla has a sweet tribute to the iconic Rainbow Road track from the game. To take a spin down this road, just activate Autosteer and quickly push the gear stalk down four times. Boom—your infotainment screen transforms, and you’ll see a tiny Tesla cruising along Rainbow Road instead of the usual scenery. And if that’s not enough, you’ll jam out to the SNL version of “Don’t Fear The Reaper” by Blue Oyster Cult, complete with extra cowbell.

Back to the Future Theme on the Tesla Mobile App

Get ready to feel like Marty McFly with this Back to The Future Easter egg. When your Tesla hits exactly 121 miles (or kilometers) of range, open the Tesla app and tap the battery icon. Suddenly, your app transforms into a homage to the beloved film. You’ll even get a pop-up message urging you to check your plutonium fuel and hit “Yes” to continue. Dive deeper, and you’ll find tons of nods to the movie, like your range changing to 1.21 GW—the energy needed for the time machine. Plus, your vehicle morphs into a Model X dubbed “OUTATIME,” complete with gull-wing doors for that DeLorean vibe.

Santa Mode

Get into the holiday spirit with Tesla’s Santa Mode, a festive Easter egg available across all Tesla models. Activating it transforms your vehicle’s infotainment screen into a Tesla-themed Santa sled. Simply head to the Toybox menu, select Santa, and toggle “Jingle All the Way” to unleash the magic—accompanied by Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run” cranking up the cheer.

Want a hands-free activation? Just say “Ho, Ho, Ho!” and watch the sleigh appear, complete with reindeer representing other vehicles. And don’t forget the cherry on top: your turn signal sound morphs into jingle bells, perfect for spreading holiday joy (or mild annoyance) to your passengers.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Reference

Elon Musk’s love for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy shines through in Tesla’s Easter egg homage. Rename your Tesla to “42,” hit save, and watch the magic unfold. Your vehicle transforms into “Life, the Universe, and Everything,” a nod to the book’s supercomputer’s conclusion about the meaning of existence. If you’re a Hitchhiker’s Guide aficionado like Elon, this hidden gem is a must-find.

Emissions Testing Mod

Get ready for some laughs with Tesla’s Emissions Testing Mode—a hit among owners and bystanders alike. Head to your Tesla’s Toybox, find the Emissions tab, and brace yourself for a symphony of fart sounds, from the “Short Shorts Ripper” to the “Ludicrous Fart.” These “gassy pranks,” as Tesla calls them, are not only hilarious but also controllable via your turn signal controls.

Monty Python

Get ready for a laugh-out-loud journey with Tesla’s Monty Python Mode—a timeless Easter egg that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear. Just slap one of the designated names on your Tesla, like “Patsy” or “Rabbit of Caerbannog,” and brace yourself for some Python-style fun. Imagine this: The Foot of Cupid descends, squashing your car like in Monty Python’s Flying Circus intro, complete with that unmistakable sound (seriously, check it out).

Mars And SpaceX

Prepare for an out-of-this-world experience with Tesla’s space-themed Easter eggs, paying homage to Mars and SpaceX. Activate one, and suddenly, your GPS screen transforms, showing the Martian surface like you’re cruising through space. But wait, there’s more—check out the Mars Rover Easter egg, swapping your car’s icon on the map for a rover, or catch a glimpse of the SpaceX Starship design announced in 2016.

Tesla’s Homage To Lost

Take a trip down memory lane with Tesla’s Lost-inspired Easter egg, tucked away in the backgammon game. Before you roll the dice, you’ll spot a familiar quote from the series: “Two players, two sides. One is light, one is dark.” It’s a nod to the iconic dialogue from Lost, where John Locke waxes philosophical about backgammon. And keep your eyes peeled for the sequence of numbers—4 8 15 16 23 42—etched in the corner, ready to trigger a screen color change to green if it pops up in the game score.

James Bond

Channel your inner secret agent with Tesla’s nod to James Bond’s iconic Lotus Esprit submarine. If you’re rocking air suspension (hello, Model X or S), dive into the Software menu and long-press on the model’s name image. Type in the access code “007” and voilà! Your vehicle avatar transforms into the legendary white Lotus Esprit submarine car. It’s a slick Easter egg that adds some spy charm to your Tesla experience—though it’s exclusive to the Model S and X due to their air suspension.

Matrix Headlights Projecting the Word Tesla

Unlock the full potential of your Tesla’s matrix headlights with this hidden gem. While most Tesla owners are familiar with the dazzling light show in the Toybox menu, those equipped with matrix headlights get an extra treat. Park your Tesla in front of a light-colored wall and activate the light show to see the word “Tesla” magically projected from your headlights. .

Model X Light Show and Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Your Model X will dance to the tune of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Wizards in Winter,” with headlights, fog lights, and turn signals choreographing a mesmerizing holiday spectacle. As if that’s not enough, the front and falcon wing back doors will open and close in perfect sync with the music, while the rear view mirrors retract in time. To trigger this display, simply tap the green holiday ornament in the Easter Egg Drawer or enter the access code “holiday” or “ModelXmas” via the Tesla “T” icon on the touchscreen.

JOE MODE

Tesla’s not just about making noise—sometimes, it’s about dialing it down. Enter Joe Mode, born from a simple request by a Tesla owner named Joe whose child kept getting disturbed by Autopilot’s chimes. Tesla listened and introduced Joe Mode, which tones down noises like turn signals to keep things quieter.

Rick and Morty

Ever wished your car could channel a bit of “Rick and Morty”? Tesla’s got you covered with a Sentry Mode that’s straight out of the show. Just say “Keep Tesla Safe” or “Keep Summer Safe,” and watch the display switch to a Portal-style turret eye. Originally, it kicked off with a HAL 9000 look from “2001: A Space Odyssey.” This cool feature is available in Models S, 3, X, and Y.

Rainbow Charge Port Light

Charging your Tesla doesn’t have to be a snooze. Kick it up a notch with the Rainbow Charge Port Light. Tap the charge port button on your charger handle 10 times fast while plugged in, and boom—a light show right at the charging port. This Easter egg turns a boring task into a mini-party with colors cycling through the rainbow. Available on Tesla Models S, 3, X, and Y.

Spaceballs

Get ready for a warp-speed journey inspired by the sci-fi spoof “Spaceballs” with Tesla’s Ludicrous+ mode. Engage this mode, and your Tesla’s screen transforms into a star field straight out of the movie. But that’s not all—just as you’re about to blast off, a question pops up, reminiscent of “The Matrix”: “Are you sure you want to push the limits?” Your options? “No, I want my Mommy” or “Yes, bring it on!”.

Spot the Cybertruck

For outdoor adventurers, Tesla’s Camp Mode is a game-changer. It turns your Tesla into a cozy temporary shelter, perfect for a night under the stars without sacrificing comfort. With Camp Mode activated, the climate control keeps you comfy, while the infotainment system provides endless entertainment. And here’s the kicker: after 10 minutes, a Cybertruck appears in the screensaver, teasing the exciting future (now, our present) of Tesla’s lineup.

Cybertruck Easter Egg

Discover a hidden gem in the Cybertruck’s software that pays homage to a memorable Tesla moment. Tap the Cybertruck’s side windows on the front infotainment system while parked, and watch as they appear to shatter on the display. Then, listen closely as an audio snippet from Elon Musk himself plays. It’s a nod to the Cybertruck’s infamous unveiling in 2019 when a metal ball thrown at the window led to a… smashed window.

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