A tech expert was subjected to a relentless barrage of 'squelchy farts' during a ride in a Tesla robot taxi, after a supposedly humorous feature malfunctioned. Writing in the San Francisco Standard, tech writer Zara Stone described how the 'emissions testing mode' appeared to glitch, causing continuous flatulence sounds to ricochet around the cab for the entire journey.
Feature designed as an electronic whoopie cushion
The function was intended to operate as an electronic whoopie cushion, letting users prank passengers with fart noises from their seat. However, Stone said the already gross-sounding feature became almost unbearable when it locked into a series of constant, unstoppable 'squelchy' farts.
Stone, who describes herself as a regular Tesla taxi user, said her trips are normally 'generally pleasant and clean experiences', but this occasion delivered more than she bargained for.
Safety driver unable to stop the sounds
Stone asked the car's 'safety driver' how long the vehicle would continue 'making squelchy farting sounds', but the employee had no idea. Neither the 'app' nor the car's internal volume setting offered any relief from the non-stop flatulence.
The safety driver admitted he had been 'playing with the settings' before her ride and had somehow 'lost control' of the vehicle's farting ability.
Stone wrote: "They hadn’t stopped by the end of my ride, and I do not know if the next passenger was forced into flatulence or if the engineer managed to deactivate the feature in time."
Part of Tesla's toy box
According to Tesla's site, the emissions testing mode is part of the cars' toy box, allowing users to 'select your preferred fart style' from five options. Drivers can 'use your turn signal or press the left scroll wheel when you’re ready to “release” your prank', or 'use the mobile app to conduct remote emissions testing by touching and holding any of the four quick control buttons and selecting the fart button.'
The feature can also broadcast externally on vehicles equipped with a Pedestrian Warning System when parked. Named fart modes include 'Not a Fart', 'Short Shorts Ripper', 'Falcon Heavy', 'Ludicrous Fart', 'Neurastink', 'Boring Fart', and 'I’m So Random'.
