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Tesla’s Dual Motor AWD tech takes on Audi’s Quattro system in 4×4 roller test
Being all-electric, Tesla’s vehicles enjoy a number of advantages. They have instant torque for quick acceleration runs, a low center of gravity for great handling, and large crumple zones for protection during a crash. Recent traction tests on metal rollers have also shown that the electric car maker’s Dual Motor AWD setup gives vehicles like the Model 3 some very impressive traction.
It is pertinent then to see just how well Tesla’s Dual Motor AWD setup stacks up against one of the best 4×4 systems available today: Audi’s Quattro. The German automaker’s all-wheel-drive system has been around for nearly 40 years, and it was tempered and developed at a time when the Audi was competing in the 1980’s rally championships. Audi sedans with Quattro technology are known today as vehicles that can handle wet, slippery conditions without any issues.
Compared to the long history of Audi’s Quattro, Tesla’s Dual Motor AWD is a newcomer. The electric car maker’s all-wheel-drive system made its debut on October 2014 with the Model S P85D, and it has received refinements since. Tesla’s Dual Motor AWD setup, just like Audi’s Quattro, gives the company’s vehicles, from the Model S to the Model X to the Model 3, notable traction even in slippery conditions.
The capabilities of these two AWD systems was recently compared by YouTube group duszaniespokojna – 4×4 tests on rollers, which conducts traction tests on a variety of vehicles using rollers, from serious off-roaders like the Land Rover Discovery to sedans like the Tesla Model 3. For its comparative test, the YouTube group opted to use a Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor AWD and an Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TFSI Quattro Ultra, both of which are midsize vehicles.
The Tesla Model 3 aced all of the group’s traction tests, both in its Standard and in Slip Start settings. Even when three of its wheels were in rollers, the electric sedan was able to find its traction without any issue. This is likely due to several factors, including the Model 3’s weight thanks to its hefty battery pack, as well as the instant torque from the vehicle’s two electric motors.
In comparison, the Audi A4 Allroad struggled in a couple of tests. While the vehicle had no issues finding its traction during tests that involved one or two rollers, the A4 had a notably difficult time when three of its wheels were fitted with rollers. When all but one rear wheel of the A4 Allroad was on rollers, the car actually got stuck when it was in its Standard setting.
Tesla may be a new carmaker, but it is steadily gaining a reputation as one of the best, if not the best, maker of premium electric cars on the market. It should also be noted that the Model 3 Dual Motor AWD is designed for city driving, which makes its 4×4 performance even more impressive. It takes a great city car, after all, to beat Audi’s Quattro system at its own game.
Watch a Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor AWD take on an Audi A4 Allroad 2.0 TFSI Quattro Ultra in the video below.
The Tesla Semi was spotted mounted with ground truth validation equipment as the company nears its looming launch. The Semi is Tesla’s Class 8 all-electric truck, and has been utilized in its earlier stages by many companies like PepsiCo. and Frito-Lay, who have been using it in a pilot program.
The Semi was spotted in Sunnyvale, California, and sports a typical ground truth validation unit that Tesla routinely uses on its vehicles. Ground truth validation is essentially the process of training supervised algorithms to ensure they can perform reliably. Tesla typically performs this on vehicles that are being released soon:
Spotted the new semi adorned with ground truthing equipment. Haven’t seen anyone post this so figured I’d share.
The future is autonomous!!@SawyerMerritt @wholemars pic.twitter.com/qkPDHPUQZ6
— Danny (@dannywinner1) June 21, 2026
The Semi being spotted with this type of validation rig is important because it means the company is working on solidifying a Full Self-Driving model for its commercial vehicle offering. This would be a massive development for not only Tesla but also the logistics industry as a whole.
There are strict regulations on driving hours for commercial truck drivers, and autonomy is a way to potentially combat these issues. FSD is already a widely effective way that owners of typical passenger vehicles take stress out of travel. Even launching a semi-autonomous platform for truck drivers to use to increase safety, reduce fatigue, and increase productivity would be a huge development.
Tesla Semi gets strange-but-understandable comparison from Jay Leno
The Semi has already proven to be an ideal solution for companies that use commercial logistics. It has increased efficiency and reduced operating costs for many companies that have been able to use it in pilot programs.
There are expected to be some bumps along the way. Tesla saw some challenges with FSD on the Cybertruck, as it had never had a vehicle with cameras at that height, so some of the features with FSD were not immediately available. Just a week ago, Tesla launched Actually Smart Summon (ASS) for Cybertruck, nearly three years after the vehicle was first delivered to customers.
President Donald Trump unveiled an upgraded Boeing 747-8 at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026, describing the Qatar-gifted aircraft as an interim Air Force One equipped with advanced communications systems, including Starlink, Elon Musk’s SpaceX satellite internet service.
The plane, valued at around $400 million and modified for presidential use, serves as a bridge until the delayed VC-25B replacements arrive. Trump highlighted its luxury features and new technology during remarks to service members.
Trump stated:
“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before. It’s the highest level and, uh, including Starlink. My friend Elon is going to be very happy, but, uh, Starlink and we have, uh, four or five different sets of double and triple communications like people haven’t seen.”
He added:
“And it represents what can happen with hard work, innovation, and aggressive timelines because we did this quickly and yet there’s never been communication like is on this plane.”
🚨 President Trump confirmed today that the new Air Force One is equipped with Starlink:
“We have communication equipment up there that nobody’s ever seen before, it’s the highest level and including Starlink…my friend Elon is going to be very happy.” pic.twitter.com/IhkDmtr5hL
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 20, 2026
The aircraft features a redesigned red, white, and blue livery and has been outfitted with Starlink satellite connectivity alongside other secure systems.
Trump praised the plane’s uniqueness, calling it among the world’s most luxurious. The gift from Qatar and subsequent modifications have drawn attention, with the jet positioned as a solution for presidential travel. It is expected to support operations, including potential ceremonial roles such as Fourth of July flyovers.
The event marked the formal introduction of the converted jet, which will help maintain capabilities while the primary Air Force One fleet undergoes modernization. Defense observers note the inclusion of commercial satellite technology like Starlink as part of efforts to ensure resilient communications, crucial to keep the country running as the President is in the sky.
President Trump’s comments underscored appreciation for rapid upgrades and innovation in equipping the aircraft. The plane remains a U.S. government asset and is slated for eventual transfer related to presidential library purposes after its service.
Tesla just gave what is perhaps its biggest signal yet that the launch of the Cybercab, its autonomous ride-hailing-geared car, is imminent.
The Cybercab has been spotted outside of Gigafactory Texas in massive numbers over the past few days, with hundreds of units being stored on property just days after the vehicle received a Certificate of Conformity from the EPA.
Today, things were a bit different.
Cybercabs spotted on Giga Texas property today had an addition: a Cybercab decal on the side, reminiscent of the “Robotaxi” ones that were placed on Model Ys just as the company launched its ride-sharing platform about a year ago.
Giga Texas drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer noticed the change today:
Tesla Cybercabs are now getting “Cybercab” logos on the side of them!
Tesla did the same with Model Ys that were given “Robotaxi” logos: https://t.co/DanANtw1m7 pic.twitter.com/FqOhH0S9Ks
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 19, 2026
Tesla could be signaling that the Cybercab is preparing to enter the Robotaxi fleet in the coming weeks or months with this move. It seems more symbolic than anything; Tesla is ready to throw Cybercabs in the ride-hailing platform just as it did with Model Ys last year.
The addition of the Certificate of Conformity awarded to the Cybercab is another major factor working to Tesla’s advantage. The company now has permission from the EPA to allow the vehicle to operate on public roads and enter the chain of commerce. It’s officially street legal.
Tesla Cybercab specs revealed: range, curb weight, range ratings, and more
The big question that remains is whether Tesla will be able to operate the car without a safety monitor, especially considering it plans to put the car out there without a steering wheel or pedals. With the Cybercab only having a seating capacity of two, it is hard to believe Tesla will even consider putting a Safety Monitor in the car.
It did recently self-certify as Level 4 and has the ability to operate driverless vehicles in the State of Texas under a law that took effect on May 28. You can read more about that here:
Tesla’s Robotaxi dreams just took a massive step toward reality
We’d imagine Cybercabs will be on the roads as soon as July, but August will likely be a better estimate of when the car will be entered into the Cybercab fleet. It all depends at where Tesla is, as they’ve truly prioritized safety with the rollout of the Robotaxi platform.
Tesla Semi spotted with ground truth validation equipment as launch looms
President Trump touts new Air Force One with Musk technology
