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. Nonetheless, new proof means that Tesla might prolong this function to older Mannequin Y automobiles as a potential retrofit possibility. Renown Tesla hacker @greentheonly just lately uncovered a brand new AI4 Autopilot pc 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 moderately than the refreshed Juniper model. Notably, this newer unit lacks the second display screen connector present in newer fashions but it surely does embody some backward-compatible parts akin to an built-in LTE modem and a USB 3.0 port as an alternative of the USB-C discovered within the newest Teslas. This implies that Tesla could also be growing an improve path for current 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 might grow to be a viable possibility within the close to future.
So is your automotive eligible for this superior new improve? Properly, the first step in figuring out your eligibility is figuring out which model of Mannequin Y you bought. Checkout the clues outlined beneath to search out out extra. Who is aware of? You might have lucked out!
The best 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 supplied with {Hardware} 3 (HW3) or the newer AI4 (HW4) system. Tesla doesn’t present this info instantly in its app or from inside 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 Might 2023, it probably has AI4. Older fashions constructed between 2020–early 2023 had been outfitted 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 pink lenses and now one pretend 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 pink 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 acknowledged that AI4 is 3-5 instances sooner than HW3, although its full potential has but to be unlocked. Nonetheless, HW3 homeowners 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 homeowners of older Mannequin Y automobiles, this potential retrofit might present an extra digital camera to reinforce future FSD capabilities and enhance general system visibility. These taken with pursuing this future improve ought to:
Decide Their Automobile’s {Hardware} Model – Use the identification strategies above to test whether or not you automotive operates on the HW3 or HW4 platform.
Monitor Tesla Bulletins – Keep watch over 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 probably be the one offering particulars on pricing and general automobile eligibility. Given the identified bugs uncovered in early AI4 processors, it’s potential that these automobiles will grow to be 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 extensively out there, understanding your Mannequin Y’s {hardware} is essential to taking advantage of Tesla’s developments in Full Self-Driving expertise
