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Elon Musk reveals hidden ‘rainbow road’ in Model S autopilot: Tesla software update lets drivers add Mario Kart-theme to display

The feature is activated by engaging autopilot mode four times
Reports have circulated the Model S will receive power boost this week
Tesla may announce a 100kWh battery option for its cheaper Model S
It could also introduce the Bioweapons Defense Mode for air filtration

By Ellie Zolfagharifard For Dailymail.com

Published: 17:38 EST, 11 April 2016 | Updated: 18:32 EST, 11 April 2016

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Tesla’s latest software update for the Model S features a hidden mode designed for Mario-Kart fans.

By engaging the autopilot mode four times, the car’s display shows a rainbow road similar to the one seen in the computer games.

The Easter egg was revealed by founder Elon Musk who described it as a ‘psychedelic cowbell road’ and tweeted, ‘we are adding more cowbell soon.’

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Tesla’s latest software update for the Model S features a hidden mode designed for Mario-Kart fans. By engaging the autopilot mode four times, the car’s display shows a rainbow road

Owners of the Model S can engage autopilot by pulling on the cruise control stalk.

Once Autopilot is activated, pull on the cruise control four times in rapid succession to unlock the feature.

This isn’t the first time Tesla has revealed a hidden feature on its cars.

Last year, Musk unveiled a ‘James Bond’ mode that allows you to turn a Model S into 007’s famous submersible spy car - on the dashboard at least.

To activate it, users need to hold down the ‘T’ button on the main dashboard of the car.

The Easter egg was revealed by founder Elon Musk who described it as a ‘psychedelic cowbell road’ and tweeted, ‘we are adding more cowbell soon’

Owners of the Model S can engage autopilot by pulling on the cruise control stalk. The rainbow road is inspired by the ones seen in the Mario Kart video games (pictured)

TESLA UPGRADES FOR MODEL S

Reports are circulating Tesla's Model S could soon be available in a 100kWh option, expanding the current range of battery options from 70 and 90kWh.

In addition, the model could receive the addition of the Bioweapons Defense Mode for the vehicle's air filtration system, currently used in the Model X.

Additional upgrades to the Model S could include more colour options, extending the range beyond the nine options currently available in the UK.

However, Tesla has not confirmed or denied any of the options.

A window will then appear that asks for an access code, and by typing in zero-zero-seven, James Bond mode can be activated.

Where the image of a Model S car on the dashboard normally appears, instead the famous Lotus Espirit from the 1977 James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me is seen.

Reports have also been circulating that the car will receive a battery boost in the form of a 100kWh option, expanding the current range of options from 70 and 90kWh.

In addition, the electric cars could be made even safer with the addition of the Bioweapons Defense Mode for the vehicle's air filtration system, currently used in the Model X.

Details of Tesla's Bioweapons Defense Mode emerged last year, when the company's founder Elon Musk introduced the upgrade at the launch of a Model X.

The system works by using positive pressure to keep particles out, while using three layers of activated carbon to clean the air circulating inside the vehicle.

It filters small biological particles such as pollen and bacteria and removing acidic and alkali gases.

At the launch last September, Musk jokingly told the audience: 'We are trying to be a leader in apocalyptic defense scenarios.'

Additional tweaks to the Model S could include more colour options, extending the range beyond the nine options, from red to grey to various shades of blue, currently available in the UK.

Tesla may be readying its Model S (stock image) for an upgrade. Reports are circulating that the Model S could soon be available in a 100kWh option, as well as be about to receive the Bioweapons Defense Mode for the vehicle's air filtration system, currently used in the Model X

The Bioweapons Defense Mode - activated by biohazard symbols on the car's dashboard (pictured middle) - uses positive pressure to keep particles out, while three layers of activated carbon clean the air, filtering small biological particles and harmful materials

Speculating on the options, CNET has reported an impending refresh of the whole of the Model S which could stretch to LED headlights, seat ventilation and additional storage compartments.

However, the price could be bumped up as well.

According to reports from The Verge, the options could be introduced as earlier as this week. However, the Palo Alto firm is yet to confirm or deny any of the rumours.

MailOnline contacted Tesla for comment.

While the firm said it is constantly innovating and adding new features, it doesn't comment on speculation regarding future releases.