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. Nonetheless, new proof means that Tesla could prolong this characteristic to older Mannequin Y automobiles as a doable retrofit choice. 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 digicam.
Moreover, this up to date AI4 unit seems to have already been included in older Mannequin Y automobiles slightly than the refreshed Juniper model. Notably, this newer unit lacks the second display screen connector present in newer fashions but it surely does embrace some backward-compatible parts comparable 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 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 may change into a viable choice 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 seek out out extra. Who is aware of? You could have lucked out!
The best way to 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 provided with {Hardware} 3 (HW3) or the newer AI4 (HW4) system. Tesla doesn’t present this data straight in its app or from inside the automobile, 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 probably 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 characteristic new red-tinted cameras. The entrance digicam setup consists of two pink lenses and now one faux black lens, as Tesla eliminated the necessity for the third digicam with it is new and improved AI4 cameras. An alternative choice price 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 digicam decision is 1448×938, in comparison with HW3’s 1280×960, whereas the entrance cameras see a major bounce 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. Nonetheless, HW3 house owners needn’t concern, as Tesla mentioned 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 house owners of older Mannequin Y automobiles, this potential retrofit may present an extra digicam to boost future FSD capabilities and enhance total system visibility. These considering pursuing this future improve ought to:
Decide Their Car’s {Hardware} Model – Use the identification strategies above to verify 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.
Verify with Service Facilities – If Tesla rolls out an official retrofit program, service facilities will probably be the one offering particulars on pricing and total automobile eligibility. Given the identified bugs uncovered in early AI4 processors, it’s doable that these automobiles will change 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 necessary for house owners to remain knowledgeable about potential improve paths. Whether or not or not the entrance digicam retrofit turns into extensively out there, understanding your Mannequin Y’s {hardware} is vital to benefiting from Tesla’s developments in Full Self-Driving expertise
