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, much like what was launched with the Cybertruck. Nevertheless, new proof means that Tesla could lengthen this characteristic to older Mannequin Y autos as a doable retrofit choice. Renown Tesla hacker @greentheonly not too long ago 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 autos quite than the refreshed Juniper model. Notably, this newer unit lacks the second display connector present in newer fashions but it surely does embrace some backward-compatible parts reminiscent of an built-in LTE modem and a USB 3.0 port as an alternative of the USB-C discovered within the newest Teslas. This means that Tesla could also be creating an improve path for present Mannequin Y house owners who need 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 might develop into a viable choice within the close to future.
So is your automobile eligible for this superior new improve? Effectively, the first step in figuring out your eligibility is figuring out which model of Mannequin Y you bought. Checkout the clues outlined beneath to seek out out extra. Who is aware of? You could have lucked out!
Easy methods to Establish Your Mannequin Y {Hardware} Model
Earlier than contemplating the entrance digital camera retrofit, house owners ought to first decide whether or not their Mannequin Y is supplied with {Hardware} 3 (HW3) or the newer AI4 (HW4) system. Tesla doesn’t present this info straight in its app or from throughout the automobile, 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 Could 2023, it seemingly has AI4. Older fashions constructed between 2020–early 2023 have been outfitted with the HW3 processing unit.
OPTION 2: Test Your Digital camera Lenses:
All AI4 autos characteristic 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 beneath.
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 big leap to 2896×1876.
Elon Musk has said that AI4 is 3-5 occasions sooner than HW3, although its full potential has but to be unlocked. Nevertheless, HW3 house owners needn’t concern, as Tesla mentioned it stays dedicated to supporting HW3, however the reality stays: AI4 will obtain these main FSD updates forward of the older {hardware} system.
What This Means for Mannequin Y House owners
For house owners of older Mannequin Y autos, this potential retrofit might present an extra digital camera to reinforce future FSD capabilities and enhance total system visibility. These desirous about pursuing this future improve ought to:
Decide Their Car’s {Hardware} Model – Use the identification strategies above to examine whether or not you automobile operates on the HW3 or HW4 platform.
Monitor Tesla Bulletins – Regulate Tesla’s official communications and components catalog updates for any official retrofit choices.
Test with Service Facilities – If Tesla rolls out an official retrofit program, service facilities will seemingly be the one offering particulars on pricing and total automobile eligibility. Given the recognized bugs uncovered in early AI4 processors, it’s doable that these autos will develop into the primary eligible recipients for any upgrades.
As Tesla continues evolving its autos with new {hardware} and options, it’s changing into more and more vital for house owners to remain knowledgeable about potential improve paths. Whether or not or not the entrance digital camera retrofit turns into extensively accessible, understanding your Mannequin Y’s {hardware} is vital to benefiting from Tesla’s developments in Full Self-Driving know-how
