Model S and X to Get Updated Wheel, Ambient Lighting and Front Bumper Camera [Updated]
Tesla appears to be ready to unveil some changes to the Model S and Model X.
The Model S and Model X will gain updated "efficiency" packages in 2024. References to these hardware changes were spotted by Tesla enthusiast Greentheonly in the 2023.44.30.8 vehicle firmware. Green goes on to say that Tesla makes efficiency package changes when there are changes to the battery or drivetrain that affect the vehicle's range.
However, these changes don't necessarily mean the changes will improve efficiency or increase the vehicle's range.
Former Tesla service technician, Anthony Spina mentions that Tesla last changed an efficiency package in 2021 when they increased the battery pack for the Model 3 and Model Y from a 77 kWh battery to a 82 kWh battery. Tesla also added more efficient motors at the time.
Tesla recently updated their EPA mileage for new models in the U.S. and Canada due to government-required testing changes. Although vehicle hardware didn't change, the EPA estimates are now lower than before across most Tesla models, including other EVs.
This is because the EPA now requires vehicle manufacturers to account for all acceleration modes and averaging them when determining the vehicle's range.
To combat less efficient stopping modes, Tesla is removing roll and creep modes on new Model 3 and Model Ys in these countries.
Update: New Model Xs have now come off the assembly line with the new steering wheel we talk about in this article, although they do not include additional changes to the battery pack, drivetrain or the ambient lighting and front bumper camera changes. It appears that Green’s findings for the new efficiency package in the vehicle’s firmware may have been related to Tesla’s updated EPA range estimates and not related to changes to the battery pack or drivetrain themselves, as they have been in the past.
However, the new Model S and Model X are still expected to receive the ambient lighting treatment akin to the new Model 3 and the front bumper camera like the Cybertruck.
Center Horn
While looking through the firmware's code, Green also found a reference to a new yoke for the Model S and Model X. The new wheel will finally feature a mechanical horn in the center. Since the new Model S was revealed in 2021, it has used a small button on the steering wheel to activate the vehicle's horn.
We've heard that this center horn has been coming for a while now, but given that it's now showing up in Tesla's firmware, it looks like a release may finally be near.
Ambient Lighting and Bumper Camera Also Coming
The Model S is due for a new seat design. A few months ago, the parts catalog displayed a different seat design with a much higher and more narrow headrest. Directly below the headrest is a Plaid badge that looks like it could be swapped out for different designs. The seat design is similar to the RECARO or Sparco racing seats, two leaders in the performance automotive seat field.
The ambient lighting in the new Model 3, and Cybertruck has been a popular feature, adding an option to the vehicle's cabin that resonates with the high-tech feel of these vehicles. The ambient lighting addition is certainly coming to other models, and our source previously confirmed that it will include the Model S and Model X. Remember the Model Y refresh, code name Juniper is underway.
The front camera is also featured in the Cybertruck and will undoubtedly be added to the rest of the fleet. The camera removes the blind spot just in front of the car for those tight parking spaces and has been a welcome addition after removing other sensors. Our source also confirmed that the front bumper camera will also be arriving on the Model S and X.
However, all of these changes may not necessarily arrive at the same time. Tesla is all about efficiency and doesn’t roll out changes with model years, so they will typically only add new parts when they’ve used up their current supply. We could see the bumper camera arrive first and later followed by ambient lighting, although we wouldn’t expect these features to be very far apart.
It’s the start of a new year, but the same ol’Tesla, a company that continues to make changes, adapting to new testing and customer preferences.
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