Issue 393 - FSD makes history with first fully autonomous coast-to-coast drive
Hardwar & Software Updates
Dashcam viewer adds zoom 📹
A recent update lets owners with AMD Ryzen-powered vehicles pinch-to-zoom directly in the Dashcam Viewer, finally making it easy to check details like license plates or faces without removing the storage drive. There are some neat extras too: the new viewer shows USB storage space and breaks down what is using it, plus you can now filter Sentry Mode clips by trigger type. If you have one of the new Ryzen cars, this addition is a big step up for reviewing dashcam footage right on the car's display.
Model Y in China refreshed with black headliner and larger display 📷
The Model Y in China just got some interior love: all trims now come with a bigger 16-inch center screen and a sleek black headliner instead of the old gray. The darker headliner definitely makes the cabin feel more upscale and should cut down on annoying glare. Knowing Tesla's track record, these upgrades will likely hit North America and Europe before long too.
Everything Tesla launched in 2025
2025 was an action-packed year for Tesla, packed with major vehicle and software updates. Highlights included the global rollout of reworked Model Y, Model S, and Model X, the debut of the much-anticipated Robotaxi Network in Austin, and the international expansion of FSD along with fresh safety features like Child Left Behind Detection and playful additions such as Tron Mode. On the tech front, Tesla introduced a new visualization stack using Unreal Engine, FSD V14, and in-vehicle Grok AI, and set the groundwork for next-gen AI chips.
FSD
FSD speed profiles defined with ‘Sloth’ as the default
FSD (Full Self-Driving) Speed Profiles have been updated, making 'Sloth' mode, which keeps the car moving below the speed limit, the new default for new vehicles and first-time FSD users. The owner's manual now clearly describes each profile, from Sloth up through Mad Max, giving owners a better idea of what to expect.
Community
New cameras on validation vehicles hint at future hardware or Banish training 📷
New camera rigs are being tested on Cybertruck and Model 3 validation vehicles, placing wide-angle cameras at the front bumper corners. The aim is to collect high-quality data to help FSD handle tight maneuvers and eliminate forward blind spots, a key obstacle for features like Banish and Actually Smart Summon. This looks like a data-gathering step, not a hardware update, so don’t expect retrofit bumper cameras on production cars just yet.
Cybertruck interior bench seat mod 📷
A Cybertruck owner modded their truck to add the six-seat bench up front that many wished Tesla had included, though keep in mind it is not street legal without proper airbags.
FSD makes history with first fully autonomous coast-to-coast drive
David Moss made history by completing a US coast-to-coast drive using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) v14.2 with zero interventions, traveling 2,732 miles from Los Angeles to Myrtle Beach without touching the controls, not even for Supercharging stops. This trek, verified with precise third-party telemetry, highlights just how capable Tesla's camera-based FSD has grown, handling highways, cities, and everything in between. Even Tesla’s Autopilot execs and Elon Musk chimed in to celebrate, making this a milestone moment for both FSD technology and the Tesla community.
Roadster
Upcoming Roadster teased as ‘crazier than all James Bond cars’
Wild capabilities for the next-gen Roadster were teased, emphasizing that safety is not its main goal, so expect outrageous speed and features instead. An unforgettable unveiling was promised later this year and the car might even top the legendary gadget-laden movie cars. Production is planned to start 12 to 18 months after the reveal, so we might finally see these long-awaited specs hit the road in 2027 (maybe).
Incentives
Limited-time trade-in deal rolls out in the UK
A serious trade-in bonus of £3,750, about $5,000, is available off the price of a new or inventory Model 3 or Model Y if you trade in your current car, but you need to act fast since it’s only good through March 31, 2026. This incentive stacks on top of your existing car’s value and is open to any car. If you’re in the UK and on the fence about upgrading, this might be the perfect time to jump in before the deadline.
Leasing arrives in the U.S. for Model 3/Y Standard and Model Y Performance
Leasing is now available for the Model 3 Standard, Model Y Standard, and Model Y Performance in the US, letting buyers access these EVs with lower monthly payments and more flexibility. The base Model 3 lease starts at $449 per month, with the Model Y from $479, both with $3,000 down and a 36-month term. With 0% financing also available for buyers.
🤓 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.
FSD: Full Self-Driving
Incredible milestone for camera-based autonomy. The fact that David Moss went 2,732 miles without a single intervention really speaks to how FSD v14.2 handles the unpredictability of real-world driving. What's intresting is that third-party telemetry verified this, it's not just anecdotal anymore. I drove LA to Vegas last month with FSD and still had to intervene twice on construction zones. The gap between what works 99% of the time and what's genuinly zero-intervention is huge and this proves Tesla might be closing it faster than anyone expected.