Tesla Makes Surprising Move: Drastically Reduces Speakers in Model Y RWD Variant

Tesla is reducing the speakers in the RWD Model Y from 14 to 7 and a single amplifier

Tesla

Tesla's approach to vehicle design has been about delivering maximum enjoyment, encapsulated in its aim to make cars "the most fun you can have in a vehicle." That’s why it's such a head-scratcher that the company has removed speakers from the most popular car in its lineup.

The Model Y RWD now includes a "Custom Audio" system, scaling down to seven speakers with a single amplifier and, notably, the absence of a subwoofer (h/t Drive Tesla Canada). This reduction from the previously lauded 13-speaker arrangement, including a subwoofer and two amplifiers, marks a significant shift in Tesla's audio offering for this model.

Audio Downgrade Detailed

The change raises questions about the impact on the overall audio experience, especially given Tesla's emphasis on the sound quality in their vehicles as part of the fun driving experience. Tesla has invested significantly in audio technology, drawing expertise from high-end audio brands like Bang & Olufsen.

The company’s dedication was highlighted in a Tesla-produced video showcasing the meticulous engineering behind its sound systems. The video emphasized the substantial size of the subwoofer in the Model Y and its integration into the vehicle's design, enhancing the overall audio experience without compromising space or aesthetics.

This RWD Model Y initially shared the same Premium Audio sound system as its Long Range and Performance counterparts, featuring 15 speakers, including two amplifiers and a subwoofer. This setup was somewhat unexpected since Tesla typically reserves high-end audio equipment for its upper-tier models. The subsequent reduction of speakers to 14 in late 2021, with the removal of the center instrument panel speaker, was considered an imperceptible change by Tesla. However, the newest adjustment is more substantial.

Other Models Impacted?

One can only assume the Model 3 will get the same treatment. However, the refreshed Model 3 is starting to show up in North America. Its upgraded stereo system has been well documented. Reducing this incredible system in entry-level RWD Model 3 would be a shame.

Interestingly, this update is specific to North America's Model Y RWD versions. The European Model Y RWD, manufactured at Giga Shanghai or Giga Berlin, retains the Premium Audio sound system. The LR and Performance variants of the Model Y continue to be equipped with the original 13-speaker system, including a subwoofer and dual amplifiers.

Tesla has not specified which seven speakers remain in the Model Y RWD's revised audio setup. With the change only recently added to the website, it may take some time before the first deliveries of the Model Y with the updated sound system occur, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the new audio quality.

Tesla's decision to modify the Model Y RWD's audio system aligns with its strategy of varying features across different models, and it stands in contrast to its well-established commitment to exceptional sound quality. This development is particularly intriguing given the company's reputation for creating vehicles that deliver an exceptional and fun driving experience, of which the audio system has been a significant component.

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Tesla Updates FSD From V12.3.6 to V12.5 on Update 2024.44

Not a Tesla App

Tesla maintains two primary software branches: the main feature branch and the FSD branch. In general, the FSD branch lags behind on new features pushed to the main branch but provides a more recent FSD version.

However, now Tesla is updating the main branch to a much more recent version of FSD.

Current FSD Build & Shadow Mode

Nowadays, the main branch always includes an older but stable build of FSD. It’s been on FSD V12.3.6 since July 2024. So, if you subscribe to FSD in North America, this is the FSD version you’ll receive until you get added to the FSD track.

Even if you don’t subscribe to or have purchased FSD, your vehicle has v12.3.6 on it. That includes vehicles in regions where FSD isn’t available for general use, such as Europe and China. In those cases, FSD runs in Shadow Mode, providing training data to Tesla if you’ve agreed to their data privacy policies. So Tesla is always analyzing what the vehicle would do compared to what the driver does. When there are contradictions, these are the clips and data Tesla will want to analyze.

FSD V12.5.4.2 on Main Branch

For the first time in five months, Tesla has now updated the baseline version of FSD in the main branch. The new version included with 2024.44 updates is FSD v12.5.4.2. This Tesla is updating the baseline FSD version to FSD V12.5.4.2

FSD 12.5 includes many features for a much smoother experience compared to FSD 12.3.6. Many users will appreciate that it gets rid of the steering wheel nag and instead relies on the cabin camera to provide real-time driver monitoring. This version also includes support for sunglasses with driver monitoring. It’ll be a big upgrade for anyone coming from FSD 12.3.6.

It's always a good thing when Tesla updates the baseline FSD version—that means that Tesla is confident that this new baseline is considerably safer and will continue to train the fleet against it.

What Update Am I Getting?

If you’re already on FSD V12.5.4.2, you’ll likely remain on that FSD build unless V13.3 manages to make its way to the public as Tesla originally planned, but that’s unlikely to happen before the Thanksgiving holiday. In all likelihood, you’ll be getting update 2024.44, which will give you some additional Tesla features while keeping you on the same FSD version.

For those who are already on 2024.44 - if you subscribe now, you’ll have V12.5.4.2 enabled on your vehicle.

If you have a Cybertruck, then you’ll receive update 2024.39.5 with FSD V12.5.5.3. They’re on a unique build for the moment, and this will likely be the case until Tesla acquires enough training data from the Cybertruck fleet.

What About FSD V12.5.6? V13?

FSD V12.5.6 is currently the build being provided to early access testers who have AI4 vehicles. It has new features like Driver Profiles, better lane change decisions, improved Max Speed Offset, and a few others. Tesla last pushed an update to FSD 12.5.6.2 in early November with some improvements to Driver Profiles.

That build is likely going to be deprecated as Tesla gets closer to releasing FSD v13, which they showed off at the We, Robot event back in October. The AI4 Model Ys and Cybercabs at We, Robot were running an early V13 build/ 

The updated FSD roadmap provided at the end of October mentioned that V13.3 will be the build that will make its way to customers sometime around Thanksgiving, but so far, no employee vehicles have been spotted with FSD v13.

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Tesla Cybertruck: Puddle Lights, FSD/Powershare, Mars? [Update: FSD Now Available in Canada]

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The Cybertruck is having an eventful November. Just last week, we shared the news that Tesla isn’t offering their in-house wrap service for the Cybertruck anymore; the Foundation Series is now available in inventory in select US locations, Crossbars have arrived, and faster charging is around the corner. Now there’s even more to discuss about the stainless steel beast.

Projection Puddle Lights

Like the recently launched puddle lights for the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla has introduced a set of add-on Projector Puddle Lights for the Cybertruck. These Cybertruck-specific ones go for $75 USD, or $105 CAD and are available in both the Canadian and US Tesla stores.

However, these don’t have the Tesla wordmark - instead, they feature the iconic Cybertruck symbol and, in our opinion, look even nicer. Here’s to hoping Tesla also introduces a set with the graffiti-style Cybertruck wordmark.

Powershare in Canada

While the Foundation Series Cybertruck has been getting delivered in Canada since November 7th, there was no news on Powershare being supported due to regulatory constraints. On the 20th, Foundation Series owners in Canada began to receive emails to get their Powershare installs started through Tesla’s official installer - Qmerit.

More to follow on pricing and the process as we receive our Canadian quote from Qmerit soon.

FSD in Canada

The Cybertruck Program Manager, Siddhant Awasthi, confirmed that with Powershare now becoming available, FSD for the Cybertruck in Canada will also become available soon. Canadian trucks shipped with a factory software build that didn’t include FSD, but did include TACC and stoplight/traffic control.

Early this morning Tesla began rolling out a new version of FSD 12.5.5.3 for the Cybertruck, which is update 2024.39.5. Will this be the version that rolls out in Canada?

Update: Yesterday, Tesla started rolling out FSD on the Cybertruck in Canada for the first time. The update being rolled out is update 2024.39.5, which not only features the latest FSD available on the Cybertruck, version 12.5.5.3, but it also includes all the features update 2024.38, which includes the huge Sentry Mode improvements that reduce power consumption by about 40%.

First Mars Payload

Following Integrated Flight Test 6 for SpaceX’s Starship, Elon Musk confirmed that uncrewed Starships are likely to begin making their way to Mars in about 2 years. You’re probably going to ask what’s going to be in those Starships - that’s what Brett Winston on X asked as well. Elon confirmed that Cybertrucks and Optimus robots will be among some of the first items landing on Mars.

That’s a ton of awesome news for Cybertruck, and there’s absolutely going to be more around the corner, especially as we await the big Tesla Holiday Update. While you wait, why not take a look at our Holiday Update Wishlists?

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