The Entrance Digicam Retrofit: What We Know So Far
Tesla’s newest Mannequin Y refresh (codenamed Juniper) now features a entrance bumper digicam, much like what was launched with the Cybertruck. Nevertheless, new proof means that Tesla could lengthen this function to older Mannequin Y automobiles as a potential retrofit possibility. 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 digicam.
Moreover, this up to date AI4 unit seems to have already been included in older Mannequin Y automobiles somewhat than the refreshed Juniper model. Notably, this newer unit lacks the second display connector present in newer fashions nevertheless it does embody some backward-compatible parts similar 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 means that Tesla could also be growing an improve path for current Mannequin Y house owners who wish to add the entrance bumper digicam at a later date.
Whereas there’s no official affirmation from Tesla but, the presence of a devoted bumper digicam connector on this retrofit-friendly AI4 unit strongly suggests {that a} entrance digicam improve might turn into a viable possibility 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 under to seek out out extra. Who is aware of? You could have lucked out!
How one can Determine Your Mannequin Y {Hardware} Model
Earlier than contemplating the entrance digicam 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 data straight in its app or from throughout the car, however there are a number of methods to uncover this data:
OPTION 1: Verify 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 geared up with the HW3 processing unit.
OPTION 2: Verify Your Digicam Lenses:
All AI4 automobiles function new red-tinted cameras. The entrance digicam setup consists of two purple lenses and now one pretend black lens, as Tesla eliminated the necessity for the third digicam with it is new and improved AI4 cameras. Another choice value noting is that the HW4 repeater cameras even have a purple 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 digicam 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 acknowledged that AI4 is 3-5 instances quicker 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 Homeowners
For house owners of older Mannequin Y automobiles, this potential retrofit might present an extra digicam to reinforce future FSD capabilities and enhance total system visibility. These involved in 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.
Verify with Service Facilities – If Tesla rolls out an official retrofit program, service facilities will seemingly be the one offering particulars on pricing and total car eligibility. Given the recognized bugs uncovered in early AI4 processors, it’s potential 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 changing into more and more essential for house owners to remain knowledgeable about potential improve paths. Whether or not or not the entrance digicam retrofit turns into broadly obtainable, understanding your Mannequin Y’s {hardware} is essential to taking advantage of Tesla’s developments in Full Self-Driving know-how
