The air at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, California, was electric this past weekend, and we at Tensor Auto were thrilled to be a part of it. The Quail is where the world's most valuable and technologically advanced vehicles converge in a relaxed garden party atmosphere, offering a unique snapshot of the very best of automotive design and engineering. It served as the perfect backdrop for Tensor's public debut. It was the first time our fully autonomous agentic, Level 4 personal vehicle had been seen by the public since its global launch on August 13th, and the response was nothing short of incredible.
While we were surrounded by the stunning roar of internal combustion engines and sleek, high-performance machines, Tensor attracted a crowd that was genuinely captivated by the future of personal transportation. Our space became a hub of curiosity and excitement, standing out as a beacon of innovation. Attendees were especially drawn to key features that make Tensor unique: the retractable steering wheel, the elegant carriage doors, an agentic vehicle that not only drives you, but understands you. What really got some people’s attention was its power. Not horsepower, but brainpower. People were blown away to hear that Tensor is powered by the most powerful automotive grade supercomputer that has ever been placed inside of a passenger vehicle. A sheer 8000 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
There was a common theme among supercar, hypercar, and classic car owners: the desire for an agentic vehicle designed for daily use. The desire to have the freedom to drive, and to be driven, with the push of a button. While their treasured cars are perfect for the racetrack and special occasions, they are not the most practical choice for navigating daily commutes, running errands, or sitting in traffic. Prospective buyers at the Quail needed a 'daily'—a vehicle that brings them into the future, and serves their needs for the vast majority of their time on the road.
Buyers were captivated by the idea of a vehicle that could seamlessly switch between multiple modes. When in Level 4 (L4) autonomous mode, the steering wheel and pedals retract, allowing owners to sit in the backseat (or whichever seat they like) and be productive during their commute—whether having a meeting or FaceTiming their kids on the way to the racetrack or to wherever they store their other cars. Then, when the driving enthusiast owner wants to take control, the Robocar can switch to manual mode, or whichever level of automation is preferred for their specific desire (Tensor is capable of multiple levels of automation, from Level 0 through Level 4), with the steering wheel and pedals reappearing for a more engaged driving experience. This dual functionality resonated strongly, as it provides a practical solution without compromising the joy of driving when the situation allows.
The enthusiasm was palpable. Visitors were not only drawn to the Tensor's large and beautiful exterior but were genuinely surprised by the spacious and comfortable interior they experienced firsthand. Even though Tensor won't be available for purchase until next year (2026), we were repeatedly asked if the car was for sale on the spot. The common refrain from patrons—"I hate driving myself all the time. I also want the privacy of my own home. This will be wonderful," and "Can I buy one today?"—echoed the sentiment that Tensor is not just a car, but a solution to a daily frustration. We were particularly touched when a 10-year-old visitor told his father he wanted a Tensor to be his first car.
Beyond the aesthetics and convenience, people were deeply interested in how Tensor protects their personal privacy. We were able to explain our commitment to not being connected to a cloud, and how data is only shared with explicit permission. This focus on privacy resonated deeply with many attendees.
Overall, the excitement, interest, and encouragement we received for Tensor at The Quail was an incredible validation of our vision. It reinforced our belief that the world is ready for a new era of personal mobility—one that is safer, more convenient, and puts the individual first. We can't wait to see what the future holds.