8 Tesla Easter Eggs That TV and Movie Fans Will Love
Tesla is known for its cutting-edge electric vehicles, but did you know the automaker also includes a treasure trove of secret features in its cars? From nods to iconic movies and TV shows like Back to the Future to Rick and Morty, Tesla EVs hide fun pop-culture surprises. Here are eight hidden gems for TV and movie fans, which models include them, and how to activate these Tesla Easter eggs.
1. ‘Back to the Future’ homage
Tesla hid an homage to the DeLorean time machine from the 1985 classic Back to the Future. Activate it by enabling “Tesla Toybox” in the settings, selecting “Easter egg,” and entering “1985.” Your Model X, S, or 3 will transform into the closest thing to a time-traveling DeLorean DMC-12.
2. ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ hidden Tesla feature
Don’t panic! In your Model S or X, enter “42” when setting the temperature, and your Tesla’s infotainment screen will reveal the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, à la the comedy sci-fi franchise The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
3. James Bond submarine mode
For the inner spy in you, activate this Tesla Easter Egg in models with air suspension. It nods to Agent 007’s Lotus Esprit that transforms into a submarine in The Spy Who Loved Me. Access it via the “Driving” tab in the settings. Press and hold the Tesla “T” logo for five seconds and enter the code “007.” Next, go to the suspension tab in the control menu. You’ll see a Lotus Esprit with depth choices instead of the typical ride heights.
4. ‘Lost’ Tesla Easter egg
If you’re a Lost fan, you can enable this Tesla Easter egg in your Tesla Model X. When you activate the windshield washer, the wipers will move to reveal the numerals 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42, a nod to the infamous Lost numbers.
5. ‘Monty Python’ secret feature
Tesla pays tribute to the “Ministry of Silly Walks” sketch from Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Activate this hidden feature in your Model X by tapping the Tesla logo at the top of the screen and entering “888.” Your car will respond with John Cleese’s famous silly walk animation.
6. ‘Rick and Morty’ feature
Get Schwifty: If you love the animated TV series Rick and Morty, you’re in for a treat. In a Model 3 or newer Tesla vehicle, enable the EV’s Sentry Mode by saying, “Keep Summer safe.” It also prompts a unique voice-activated response.
According to Not a Tesla App, “The extra commands are a reference to a scene from season 2, episode 6, of Rick and Morty, entitled ‘The Ricks Must Be Crazy,’ where Rick instructs his vehicle to keep Morty’s sister, Summer, safe while Rick and Morty venture into Rick’s microverse car battery.”
7. ‘Saturday Night Live’-inspired ‘More Cowbell’ mode
It needs more cowbell! Embrace your inner rock star with the “More Cowbell” mode in your Model 3 or newer Tesla. To activate it, go to the “Easter Egg” menu and select “More Cowbell.” Enjoy an homage to the popular Saturday Night Live “More Cowbell” sketch starring Christopher Walken.
8. ‘Spaceballs’ homage
Ludicrous speed, go! This Tesla Easter egg is a must for any fan of Mel Brooks’ 1987 Star Wars parody. In your Model S or X with Ludicrous Mode, press and hold the Tesla “T” logo. The display will darken, followed by a rapid emergence of a starry field that looks like the iconic jump to ludicrous speed in the movie Spaceballs.
Will the Cybertruck have a hidden ‘Blade Runner’ Easter egg?
The Cybertruck’s futuristic design and aesthetic have led to speculation about a potential Blade Runner Easter egg. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is known for his love of science fiction, and Blade Runner is a quintessential classic of the genre. Though there’s no official confirmation, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Cybertruck included a hidden feature paying homage to this iconic film. Perhaps it will involve a dramatic light show or a futuristic voice-activated command reminiscent of the movie’s tech-infused world.
Tesla Easter eggs are fun surprises
As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of innovation and pop culture integration, we can only imagine the exciting surprises the EV maker has in store for future vehicle releases. Until then, enjoy these TV-and-movie-themed Easter eggs in your Tesla, and keep an eye out for updates that could bring more cinematic magic to your ride.