Tesla releases FSD Beta 10.3 with many improvements

By Nuno Cristovao

The latest iteration of Tesla's FSD Beta, version 10.3 has now been released. The update which was originally scheduled for Friday night went out early this morning.

Tesla releases FSD Beta 10.3
Tesla releases FSD Beta 10.3
All Electric/YouTube

Existing beta testers received the update as well as users of Tesla's Safety Score who had a rating of 99 or higher.

We were wondering whether Tesla would release the beta to all drivers who have achieved a Safety Score of 99 in one swope, as that group is quite a bit larger than those who previously achieved a perfect score.

This release looks to be fairly widespread, much more so than previous betas. It's not clear yet whether everyone with a score 99 has received this beta, this is definitely the largest expansion of beta testers thus far.

Tesla has shared technical release notes for Beta 10.3, which comes in with update 2021.36.5.2. The release notes include detailed improvements in this beta, such as the ability to detect turn signals and hazards in addition to brake lights.

These are Tesla's technical release notes for this beta release:

  • Added FSD Profiles that allow drivers to control behaviors like rolling stops, exiting passing lanes, speed-based lane changes, following distance and yellow light headway.
  • Added planning capability to drive along oncoming lanes to maneuver around path blockage.
  • Improved creeping speed by linking speed to visibility network estimation and distance to encroachment point of crossing lanes.
  • Improved crossing object velocity estimation by 20% and yaw estimation by 25% by upreving surround video vehicle network with more data. Also increased system frame rate by +1.7 frames per second.
  • Improved vehicle semantic detections (e.g. brake lights, turn indicators, hazards) by adding +25k video clips to the training data set.
  • Improved static obstacle control by upreving the generalized static object network with 6k more video clips (+5.6% precision, +2.5% recall)
  • Allowed more acceleration when merging from on-ramps onto major roads and when lane changing from slow to fast lanes.
  • Reduced false slowdowns and improved offsetting for pedestrians by improving the model of interaction between pedestrians and the static world.
  • Improved turning profile for unprotected turns by allowing ego to cross over lane lines more naturally, when safe to do so.
  • Improved speed profile for boosting onto high speed roads by enforcing stricter longitudinal and lateral acceleration limits required to beat the crossing object.

There have also been improvements in many areas, such as creeping, going around road blockages, detection of static objects on the road such as construction barriers, "phantom" braking and improved acceleration in key areas such as merging onto major roads.

One of the biggest additions in this release is a new option called FSD Profiles, that lets you choose the driving style when in Autopilot.

The three styles to pick from are Chill, Average and Assertive. Each profile will determine how your vehicle drives and interacts in certain road scenarios.

You can read more about FSD Profiles and its various options.

Some users who received the FSD Beta hits morning were initially able to use FSD, but are now facing an issue where Autopilot will no longer engage. It's unlikely that Tesla is limiting the use of the FSD Beta, but hopefuly Tesla can fix the issue without needing to roll out another update.

New FSD Beta users should be aware that Tesla is now enforcing stricter rules for FSD Beta testers to make sure they're actively monitoring the road.

The next FSD Beta release may be v11, where we may finally see combined highway and city driving Autopilot stacks. If Tesla decides to release this in v11, it will be our first look at Tesla applying everything they've learned in city FSD to the highway. It may offer some short-term setbacks but overall should be a drastic improvement in how the car handles sharp highway curves and off and on ramps.

No timeline has yet been given for v11, but Tesla has been consistently releasing updated FSD Betas in 2-3 week increments.

The next iteration of FSD may also see an even wider release than we're seeing with 10.3, as it may open up to Safety Score users who have a score of 98 or higher.

If you're curious what your Safety Score is, or how many more miles you'll need to drive to reach 98, check out our Safety Score Calculator or our Safety Score driving tips.

Update: Several issues were found in FSD Beta 10.3. Tesla has released an updated FSD Beta, version 10.3.1 that they're testing on select cars.

Beta Released Version
Beta 9.0 July 10th, 2021 2021.4.18.12
Beta 9.1 July 31st, 2021 2021.4.18.13
Beta 9.2 August 15th, 2021 2021.12.25.15
Beta 10.0 September 11th, 2021 2021.24.15
Beta 10.0.1 September 18th, 2021 2021.24.16
Beta 10.1 September 25th, 2021 2021.24.17
Beta 10.2 October 11th, 2021 2021.32.25
Beta 10.3 October 24th, 2021 2021.36.5.2
Beta 11? TBD TBD

The Design & Engineering Behind the New Model Y [Video]

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s Model Y has held the title of the world’s best-selling vehicle—across all categories—for the past three years. And it takes an absolute masterstroke of engineering and design to make an even better, more popular vehicle.

In a newly released video (posted below), Tesla highlights some of the key upgrades and refinements made to the Model Y. While a previous deep dive explored the engineering details [insert link here], this latest video offers a broader look at the improvements. Let’s take a closer look.

Unique Design of the Model Y

The refreshed Model Y is all about individuality. While every Tesla model stands out in its own way, some are more similar than others. For example, the Model S and Model X share a similar front fascia design but still feel distinct. The previous Model 3 and Model Y, however, were often difficult to differentiate, even for seasoned Tesla owners.

That’s no longer the case. With the refreshed Model 3 and Model Y, the differences are clear enough to make each vehicle instantly recognizable. You’ll easily spot them on the road and distinguish them from their predecessors.

Design

The lightbar is the first thing you’ll notice about the design overhaul. Tesla aimed to give the vehicle a wider, more grounded appearance while also creating more space on the front fascia. This newfound space not only improves the vehicle’s look but also leads to some efficiency gains—more on that later.

The rear lightbar is equally striking. It’s a reflective, full-body design, marking a first in the automotive industry. The light is reflected onto a custom applique, which directs it downward, creating a puddle of red light behind the car. As Franz, Tesla’s Head of Design puts it, it gives the impression of an afterburner.

The reflective rear lightbar.
The reflective rear lightbar.
Not a Tesla App

Ride Comfort

Tesla has been focused on improving ride comfort, and the refreshed Model Y is a testament to that effort. While the original Model Y had more of a sports car-like handling, which was less ideal for family use, the new suspension design focuses on comfort by reducing impact harshness, all while maintaining Tesla’s signature steering feel and precise handling.

This is paired with in-house designed tires, developed alongside the tire manufacturer, resulting in the most efficient EV tires Tesla has ever used. With lower rolling resistance, improved handling, and reduced road noise, these tires contribute to a smoother, quieter ride.

The addition of acoustic glass across every glass surface in the vehicle, combined with upgraded sealing materials throughout the cabin and body, has led to a 20% reduction in overall vehicle noise. This is a substantial improvement for an already quiet EV.

The new silver-infused acoustic glass also reflects heat much more effectively than the older glass, reducing the strain on the vehicle’s climate system. This allows the fan to run at a lower speed, further reducing cabin noise and improving energy efficiency. Tesla has truly pulled out all the stops to make the refreshed Model Y one of the most comfortable and refined passenger vehicles on the road.

Efficiency and EPA Range

When it comes to efficiency, Tesla has meticulously reevaluated every component and design choice of the original Model Y, all while maintaining the same size and form factor that has made it a favorite for millions worldwide. The result? A 10% improvement in efficiency over the previous Model Y, which translates to more range.

The EPA recently announced the official range for the vehicle of 327 miles, beating Tesla’s estimate of 320 miles. This is an increase of 16 miles over the outgoing AWD Model Y, which had an EPA estimated range of 311 miles.

The front ducts have been widened thanks to changes in the front fascia, allowing for improved airflow over the tires and front brakes. Meanwhile, the new thermoplastic spoiler has been redesigned at the rear to be more aerodynamically efficient, contributing to the overall 10% efficiency boost. These updates improve performance and range.

Utility

The Model Y has become the ubiquitous Sports Utility Vehicle, capable of handling just about anything. In addition to improving its performance and efficiency, Tesla has also improved its practicality. The trunk opening has been enlarged, making it easier to load and unload items.

One standout feature is the power-folding rear seats. With just the push of a button, you can effortlessly fold them down or raise them back up. Additionally, the front seats automatically slide forward to create more space when you need to bring the rear seats down.

Tesla also gave the frunk a thoughtful upgrade. It now includes a new drain plug, and the bottom liner is fully waterproof—an improvement over the previous water-resistant version. This means you can fill the frunk with ice or use Tesla’s upcoming frunk cooler without worry. There’s even talk of more accessories on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see what Tesla has in store for this versatile space.

Safety

Safety has always been a top priority in Tesla’s vehicle design, and the Model Y has consistently earned 5-star crash safety ratings worldwide. It’s expected that the refreshed Model Y will continue this trend, maintaining Tesla's reputation for top-tier safety.

Additionally, the new front bumper camera offers valuable assistance for parking in tight spaces or when navigating off-road. While there’s no official word yet on whether these bumper cameras will be integrated into Full Self-Driving (FSD) or Smart Summon for the refreshed Model Y or Cybertruck, it’s definitely something to watch for in future updates.

Interior

Front and rear infotainment
Front and rear infotainment
Not a Tesla App

Inside the refreshed Model Y, Tesla has fine-tuned every detail to create a more premium feel. This includes the addition of ambient lighting, similar to the refreshed Model 3 and Cybertruck, as well as new materials throughout the cabin to elevate the overall aesthetic.

The redesigned heated and ventilated seats take comfort and support to the next level, which is a significant improvement for those who use the Model Y as their daily commuter. A comfortable seat can make all the difference on long drives.

In the rear, the updated infotainment system can now pair with two Bluetooth headsets specifically for the back screen. This means passengers in the rear can enjoy audio independently of the front, so if your kids want to watch cartoons, you can continue enjoying music or the news without any interruptions.

Tesla also developed new acoustically transparent materials, which are used to conceal some of the 16 speakers and the newly positioned microphones. Placing the microphones closer to the driver and front passenger’s heads improves clarity for voice recognition and phone calls.

Be sure to check out the full video below to see the meticulous design work and thoughtful improvements that went into the refreshed Model Y—it’s definitely worth a watch.

Tesla Launches Full Self-Driving in Mexico

By Not a Tesla App Staff
DirtyTesla

Tesla has officially launched FSD in Mexico. This is the third expansion of FSD since it was first launched in the United States.

The news was shared by Tesla Owners Mexico on X, followed by confirmation from Tesla AI with a simple but exciting message: "¡Hola México!"

FSD features are geo-fenced, meaning that if a vehicle equipped with FSD crosses into a country where the software isn’t supported, it will automatically revert back to Autopilot. This expansion has likely lifted the restriction, meaning the U.S. Tesla owners should now be able to drive into Mexico and continue using FSD without interruption.

FSD Global Expansion Timeline

Tesla has set some lofty goals for itself, announcing in their FSD roadmap that it expects FSD to be ready to roll out internationally in Q1 and expand to right-hand drive markets in Q2. While it’s not clear whether Tesla still expects to meet these targets, this is the latest information that was shared in September 2024:

  • Q1 2025: FSD is expected to launch in Europe and China, pending regulatory approval.

  • Q2 2025: FSD rollout for right-hand drive (RHD) markets, with a flexible timeline based on approval processes.

Tesla has faced regulatory hurdles, particularly in China, where FSD testing was recently put on hold. One major hurdle is China’s strict data regulations, which require all training data to be collected and stored within the country. This means Tesla cannot rely on its existing U.S.-based data centers and must build local infrastructure to comply with government policies that prevent vehicle data from leaving China.

Additionally, since FSD relies heavily on fleet data, Tesla won’t be able to leverage its vast global dataset. Instead, the company will need to retrain its AI models using data exclusively gathered from vehicles operating within China. These constraints add complexity to Tesla’s FSD rollout, potentially delaying its expansion in the region.

FSD Expansion History

After initially launching FSD Beta in the U.S. to a small group of influencers, Tesla expanded access to more users through its Safety Score program in late 2021. At first, only those with a perfect score of 100 were eligible, but as FSD improved and Tesla grew more confident in its performance, the requirement was gradually lowered.

In March 2022, Tesla took its first step beyond the U.S. by introducing FSD in Canada with the release of v10.11.1. Since then, Tesla has expanded FSD to Puerto Rico, and now, the launch in Mexico marks another major expansion of the software.

This news will likely raise excitement among users outside of North America who have been waiting for FSD for years. With regulatory hurdles in China presenting unique challenges, Tesla may shift its focus to expanding FSD in Europe and Oceania first.

Meanwhile, Tesla also focuses on launching its Robotaxi network, set to debut in Austin, Texas, in June. The upcoming Cybercabs in Austin could be running early builds of FSD v14 or a specialized version designed for Unsupervised FSD.

Like so many other things happening at Tesla right now, it’s an exciting time as Tesla prepares Unsupervised FSD for the Cybercab, continues the expansion of FSD, and works out all the details of its robotaxi network, such as the cleaning hubs and wirelessly charging capabilities.

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