A reporter jots a quick note as Super Cruise handles the steering on Interstate 280 near Palo Alto. The light bar on the wheel glows green to signal that everything's cool. A reporter jots a quick note as Super Cruise handles the steering on Interstate 280 near Palo Alto. The light bar on the wheel glows green to signal that everything's cool. Tesla Autopilot is about to encounter some serious competition.

Tesla Motors says a software update to its Autopilot system will disable automatic steering if drivers don't keep their hands on the wheel. The update also adds multiple features, including improved radar, better voice commands and an industry-first temperature control system that helps prevent kids and pets from overheating. Tesla started moving the update to Model X SUV and Model S sedan owners Wednesday night over the internet. Tesla's Autopilot system, which was unveiled last fall, uses cameras and radar to maintain a set speed, brake automatically and change lanes without the driver's input. Drivers can keep their hands off the wheel for minutes at a time, depending on road conditions.

Consumer Reports magazine is calling on Elon Musk's Tesla Motors Inc. to change the name of its Autopilot semiautonomous driving system and to disconnect the automatic steering feature after a fatal crash in Florida. The magazine said in a statement that calling the system "autopilot" promotes a dangerous assumption that Tesla vehicles can drive themselves. It also said the automatic steering should be disconnected until it's updated to make sure a driver's hands stay on the steering wheel at all times. In an email, a Tesla spokeswoman said that the electric car company has no plans to change the name, and that Autopilot is safer than cars operating without the electronic assistance of cameras, radar and computers. Tesla Motors Inc. has ended its resale guarantee program in North America.