Autonocast #343: Tesla's Autopilot Court Loss, AVs in The Naked Gun, A Little Zoox
Aug 15, 2025
The discussion dives into the comedic portrayal of self-driving cars in 'The Naked Gun,' sparking a conversation about the real dangers of Tesla's autonomous technology. A recent court ruling puts Tesla under scrutiny for a fatal Autopilot incident, raising ethical questions about safety claims and transparency. The hosts also grapple with the tension between Tesla's ambitious marketing and the reality of their ride-hailing service, where manual driving trumps autonomy. Plus, there's a quirky peek at Zoox, adding a lighthearted twist to the serious themes.
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Naked Gun's Autonomous Car Gag
- Alex describes The Naked Gun gag where an autonomous car runs over pedestrians as a comic conceit.
- He says the scene works because Frank Drebin is oblivious and distracted on his phone when the car goes rogue.
Verdict Marks A Turning Point
- Ed frames the Benavidez verdict as a sea change holding Tesla accountable for Autopilot harms.
- He argues this civil verdict plus regulatory actions mark the most serious consequences Tesla has faced to date.
Data Chain-Of-Custody Reveals Cover-Up
- Ed highlights preserved onboard data as the crucial evidence of Tesla's concealment.
- He links earlier Chinese case chain-of-custody and this trial's recovered data to prove a pattern of hiding Autopilot involvement.
