Summary
- Tesla redesigned the area around the side repeater camera for the new Model Y with an additional lip for self-cleaning
- The self-cleaning feature helps improve visibility and functionality for systems like Autopilot and Supervised FSD
- Tesla’s design change improves camera visibility for Autopilot and FSD systems, ahead of plans for unsupervised FSD and autonomous ride-hailing
- The new Model Y features improved aerodynamics with a wheel and tire set that creates the lowest combination of rolling resistance and aerodynamics ever put on an SUV by Tesla
- The redesigned Model Y also features a new seating option that has been highly requested by customers
Article
Tesla has made a design change to the area around the side repeater camera on its new Model Y to improve visibility and functionality for systems like Autopilot and Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD). The redesigned shape now features an additional lip for self-cleaning, which creates a natural current to protect the camera from water or other elemental factors. This change is expected to enhance camera visibility for the vehicle’s advanced driving systems.
The new design feature on the Model Y comes ahead of Tesla’s plans to launch unsupervised FSD and autonomous ride-hailing sometime this year. Tesla Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, explained that the self-cleaning lip on the edge of the side repeater camera ensures that the camera remains free from water and debris, ultimately improving safety and performance. Additionally, the redesigned shape and aerodynamics of the vehicle have been optimized to create an air curtain that reduces drag coefficient.
According to Moravy, the new Model Y features the lowest combination of rolling resistance and aerodynamics that Tesla has ever put on an SUV. This is achieved through a combination of design elements such as the bumper, tires, and overall shape of the vehicle. The improvements in aerodynamics and camera visibility are expected to benefit the vehicle’s autonomous driving capabilities and overall performance. Tesla is constantly innovating and making advancements to its vehicles to stay at the forefront of the electric vehicle market.
The subtle yet impactful change to the design of the side repeater camera on the Model Y demonstrates Tesla’s commitment to improving the functionality and safety of its vehicles. The self-cleaning feature of the camera is a small but important detail that can make a big difference in the performance of systems like Autopilot and Supervised FSD. As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, customers can expect to see more innovative features and improvements in future models.
The conversation about the new design features on the Model Y was featured in an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, where Tesla’s Head Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Vice President of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy discussed the aerodynamic enhancements and other improvements on the vehicle. The episode provides a detailed look at the redesigned Model Y and highlights the innovative features that set Tesla apart in the electric vehicle market. Overall, the upgrades to the Model Y demonstrate Tesla’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and providing customers with cutting-edge vehicles.
Tesla’s focus on innovation and continuous improvement is evident in the redesign of the crucial hardware on the new Model Y. As the company prepares to launch unsupervised FSD and autonomous ride-hailing, these enhancements will play a key role in ensuring the vehicle’s performance and safety. The self-cleaning camera feature, along with the optimized aerodynamics and rolling resistance, demonstrate Tesla’s attention to detail and commitment to delivering top-of-the-line electric vehicles. Customers can expect to see more advancements and improvements in future Tesla models as the company continues to lead the way in the electric vehicle industry.
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