The Entrance Digital camera 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 might lengthen this function to older Mannequin Y autos as a potential 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 autos somewhat than the refreshed Juniper model. Notably, this newer unit lacks the second display connector present in newer fashions however it does embrace some backward-compatible parts corresponding 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 present 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 might turn out to be 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 search out out extra. Who is aware of? You might have lucked out!
Easy methods to Establish 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 straight 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 possible 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 function new red-tinted cameras. The entrance digicam setup contains two crimson 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 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 digicam decision is 1448×938, in comparison with HW3’s 1280×960, whereas the entrance cameras see a major soar to 2896×1876.
Elon Musk has acknowledged that AI4 is 3-5 occasions sooner than HW3, although its full potential has but to be unlocked. Nonetheless, 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 might present an extra digicam to boost future FSD capabilities and enhance total system visibility. These serious about pursuing this future improve ought to:
Decide Their Car’s {Hardware} Model – Use the identification strategies above to test whether or not you automobile operates on the HW3 or HW4 platform.
Monitor Tesla Bulletins – Control Tesla’s official communications and elements catalog updates for any official retrofit choices.
Test with Service Facilities – If Tesla rolls out an official retrofit program, service facilities will possible be the one offering particulars on pricing and total automobile 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 changing into more and more essential for homeowners 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 vital to benefiting from Tesla’s developments in Full Self-Driving expertise
