The Entrance Digital camera Retrofit: What We Know So Far
Tesla’s newest Mannequin Y refresh (codenamed Juniper) now features a entrance bumper digital camera, just like what was launched with the Cybertruck. Nevertheless, new proof means that Tesla could lengthen this function to older Mannequin Y automobiles as a attainable retrofit possibility. Renown Tesla hacker @greentheonly lately uncovered a brand new AI4 Autopilot laptop variant labeled “MY Reloaded,” which features a new connector designed to accommodate a entrance bumper digital camera.
Moreover, this up to date AI4 unit seems to have already been included in older Mannequin Y automobiles quite than the refreshed Juniper model. Notably, this newer unit lacks the second display screen connector present in newer fashions nevertheless it does embrace some backward-compatible parts akin to an built-in LTE modem and a USB 3.0 port as a substitute of the USB-C discovered within the newest Teslas. This implies that Tesla could also be growing an improve path for present Mannequin Y homeowners who wish to add the entrance bumper digital camera at a later date.
Whereas there’s no official affirmation from Tesla but, the presence of a devoted bumper digital camera connector on this retrofit-friendly AI4 unit strongly suggests {that a} entrance digital camera improve may turn into a viable possibility within the close to future.
So is your automobile eligible for this superior new improve? Nicely, the first step in figuring out your eligibility is figuring out which model of Mannequin Y you bought. Checkout the clues outlined under to seek out out extra. Who is aware of? You could have lucked out!
The way to Determine Your Mannequin Y {Hardware} Model
Earlier than contemplating the entrance digital camera retrofit, homeowners ought to first decide whether or not their Mannequin Y is provided with {Hardware} 3 (HW3) or the newer AI4 (HW4) system. Tesla doesn’t present this info straight in its app or from inside the car, however there are a number of methods to uncover this info:
OPTION 1: Test Your Construct Date:
In case your Mannequin Y was constructed within the U.S. after late Might 2023, it possible has AI4. Older fashions constructed between 2020–early 2023 have been geared up with the HW3 processing unit.
OPTION 2: Test Your Digital camera Lenses:
All AI4 automobiles function new red-tinted cameras. The entrance digital camera setup contains two crimson lenses and now one faux black lens, as Tesla eliminated the necessity for the third digital camera with it is new and improved AI4 cameras. An alternative choice value noting is that the HW4 repeater cameras even have a crimson tint to the lenses and have a narrower flip indicator housing versus their HW3 counterparts, as proven under.
HW3 vs HW4 Autopilot Variations
AI4 introduces upgraded electrical and wiring harnesses, enhanced processing energy, and higher-resolution cameras. For instance, the AI4 rear digital camera decision is 1448×938, in comparison with HW3’s 1280×960, whereas the entrance cameras see a major leap to 2896×1876.
Elon Musk has said that AI4 is 3-5 instances sooner than HW3, although its full potential has but to be unlocked. Nevertheless, HW3 homeowners needn’t concern, as Tesla stated it stays dedicated to supporting HW3, however the truth stays: AI4 will obtain these main FSD updates forward of the older {hardware} system.
What This Means for Mannequin Y House owners
For homeowners of older Mannequin Y automobiles, this potential retrofit may present a further digital camera to boost future FSD capabilities and enhance total system visibility. These concerned about pursuing this future improve ought to:
Decide Their Car’s {Hardware} Model – Use the identification strategies above to verify whether or not you automobile operates on the HW3 or HW4 platform.
Monitor Tesla Bulletins – Regulate Tesla’s official communications and elements catalog updates for any official retrofit choices.
Test with Service Facilities – If Tesla rolls out an official retrofit program, service facilities will possible be the one offering particulars on pricing and total car eligibility. Given the identified bugs uncovered in early AI4 processors, it’s attainable that these automobiles will turn into the primary eligible recipients for any upgrades.
As Tesla continues evolving its automobiles with new {hardware} and options, it’s turning into more and more vital for homeowners to remain knowledgeable about potential improve paths. Whether or not or not the entrance digital camera retrofit turns into broadly obtainable, understanding your Mannequin Y’s {hardware} is vital to taking advantage of Tesla’s developments in Full Self-Driving know-how
