Issue 348 - The new Model Y (Juniper) is finally here
Model Y Juniper
Tesla Model Y Juniper / Opal: photos & first impression 📷
The newly released official photos of the Tesla Model Y Juniper and Opal reveal ambitious design shifts toward a more “cyber” aesthetic, blending features from existing Tesla models with elements reminiscent of the Cybertruck. Reactions from enthusiasts are mixed: some admire the sleek lines and futuristic features, like the new front light bar and bumper camera, while others find the rear design too similar to the Prius and the light bars reminiscent of Rivian’s style. Personally, I feel indifferent about the new look, but Vanessa really likes it. What do you think?
Tesla enhances Model Y repairability with an innovative trunk design
Tesla has introduced a significant design shift in the Model Y refresh, featuring a newly segmented rear trunk lid. This update separates the trunk into an upper and a replaceable lower section, promising to drastically cut down on repair costs for this frequently damaged area. The move aligns with a wider industry trend towards easier repairability, aiming to lower insurance premiums and enhancing production efficiency by using squared-off glass in the new design.
Tesla adds front camera to new Model Y 📷
The new Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' debuts with significant upgrades, including a front camera on the bumper for customers in China and the Asia-Pacific. This addition enhances the vehicle's autonomous features, broadening the field of view and improving self-driving functions.
Cybertruck
Musk apologizes for Cybertruck delivery delays in California
Elon Musk announced a temporary delay in Cybertruck deliveries within California, as the vehicles are being repurposed to supply power to Starlink terminals in areas of Los Angeles affected by connectivity issues due to the fires. The delay is expected to last until the end of the week, with assurances that new trucks will soon be delivered to waiting customers. Honestly, Tesla is putting them to use for a good cause.
10,000-mile Cybertruck review: pros, cons & cost analysis 📹
After clocking over 10,000 miles on a 2024 Foundation Series Tesla Cybertruck, the owner shares insights on its performance, quirks, and overall cost-effectiveness. Key highlights include astonishing speed, with a 0 to 60 in just 2.5 seconds, impressive ground clearance, and versatile towing capacity. Despite facing minor issues and design aspects causing blind spots, the Cybertruck excels in cost savings, besting the Ford Raptor by potentially $54,000 in long-term expenses due to its electric efficiency. The owner praises the full self-driving feature as transformative in daily operations and can't imagine reverting to traditional gas vehicles. The Cybertruck also facilitates off-grid construction projects with its robust onboard power output, making it an ideal vehicle for remote home-building adventures.
FSD
FSD v12.6.1 & v13.2.4: Tesla's Double Update Explained
In an unusual move, Tesla rolled out FSD updates V12.6.1 and V13.2.4 simultaneously. For HW3 vehicles, such as the Model 3 and Y, V12.6.1 brings significant improvements, including a smoother "V13" drive, enhanced highway navigation, and speed profiles. Meanwhile, V13.2.4 focuses predominantly on bug fixes, starting with the Cybertruck and slated for the AI4 fleet.
FSD 12.6: A game-changing update for Tesla's AI3 vehicles
The latest rollout of FSD 12.6 to AI3 vehicles includes several impressive features, with the E2E highway navigation standing out as a major advancement. Users report that their Teslas navigate highways smoothly, perform timely lane changes, and handle transitions more like a human driver. As someone with one car on 13.2.2 and another on 12.6.1, I can say that 12.6.1 feels much worse than 13.2.2.
Software updates
Grok AI to upgrade Tesla vehicles soon, reveals Elon Musk
Elon Musk commented that xAI's Grok AI will soon be integrated into Tesla vehicles. The introduction of this advanced voice command system aims to enhance user interaction, allowing drivers to communicate more effectively with their cars. Equipped with Colossus, the world's largest AI training cluster, Grok is expected to transform the Tesla driving experience.
Tesla issues physical & OTA recall for HW4
Tesla is recalling certain vehicles equipped with the Hardware 4 (HW4) computer due to a risk of the Autopilot's computer circuit board short-circuiting, impacting critical features like the rearview camera and safety functionalities such as automatic emergency braking. The recall involves both a physical and over-the-air (OTA) update, focusing on those with HW4, excluding the Cybertruck. For remaining affected vehicles, Tesla is replacing faulty hardware, while urging owners on version 2024.44.25.2 to update their software promptly to ensure safety.
🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.
HW4: Hardware Autopilot Version 4
FSD: Full Self-Driving
OTA: Over-the-air (software updates)