Tesla has introduced Tron Mode, a new easter egg visualization in collaboration with Disney for the Tron: Ares movie. Available in software update 2025.38.3 and later, it transforms the vehicle's on-screen display into a Lightcycle from the film. The feature enhances Tesla's tradition of fun, immersive toybox options.
For years, Tesla's Santa Mode has been a popular easter egg, turning the car into a sleigh during the holidays. Now, in partnership with Disney to promote the upcoming Tron: Ares movie, Tesla has released Tron Mode via software update 2025.38.3 and subsequent versions. This feature is accessible in the Toybox for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with an AMD Ryzen processor.
When activated, the visualization replaces the standard Tesla model with a sleek Lightcycle featuring a masked driver. During drives, the Lightcycle tilts realistically into turns and leaves a glowing light trail behind it. When the vehicle is parked, the driver dismounts and stands beside the cycle. The mode includes a custom Tron intro screen and startup sound, along with the Tron: Ares intro music, which can be paused using standard media controls—a improvement over Santa Mode's unpausable audio.
Additional elements enhance immersion: unique Tron-esque sounds for turn signals and locking, plus a red-themed ambient lighting mode for compatible vehicles. This goes beyond previous visualizations by offering fully animated assets and responsive behaviors, setting a new standard for quality.
The collaboration extends outside the car. At the Hollywood launch of Tron: Ares, Tesla unveiled a themed Optimus robot. Meanwhile, xAI updated its 3D characters, Ani and Valentine, with Tron outfits in the Grok app.
Tron Mode remains an optional, hidden feature in the Toybox, emphasizing Tesla's focus on playful easter eggs without impacting core developments like Full Self-Driving. It builds excitement for potential future themes, such as Halloween or Star Wars integrations.