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 might lengthen this function to older Mannequin Y autos as a potential retrofit possibility. Renown Tesla hacker @greentheonly lately uncovered a brand new AI4 Autopilot pc 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 autos moderately 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 corresponding 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 creating an improve path for current Mannequin Y homeowners who need 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 turn out to be a viable possibility within the close to future.
So is your automotive 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 beneath to seek out out extra. Who is aware of? You might have lucked out!
Determine Your Mannequin Y {Hardware} Model
Earlier than contemplating the entrance digicam 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 immediately in its app or from inside the car, however there are a number of methods to uncover this info:
OPTION 1: Examine Your Construct Date:
In case your Mannequin Y was constructed within the U.S. after late Might 2023, it doubtless has AI4. Older fashions constructed between 2020–early 2023 have been geared up with the HW3 processing unit.
OPTION 2: Examine Your Digicam Lenses:
All AI4 autos function 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 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 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 said that AI4 is 3-5 occasions quicker 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 autos, this potential retrofit may present a further digicam to reinforce future FSD capabilities and enhance total system visibility. These interested by 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 – Control Tesla’s official communications and components catalog updates for any official retrofit choices.
Examine with Service Facilities – If Tesla rolls out an official retrofit program, service facilities will doubtless be the one offering particulars on pricing and total car eligibility. Given the identified bugs uncovered in early AI4 processors, it’s potential that these autos will turn out to be the primary eligible recipients for any upgrades.
As Tesla continues evolving its autos 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 digicam retrofit turns into extensively out there, understanding your Mannequin Y’s {hardware} is vital to taking advantage of Tesla’s developments in Full Self-Driving expertise
