Tag: front bumper camera

  • Model 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 Stalk

    Model 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 Stalk

    Key Takeaways

    1. The refreshed Model 3 Highland in the US lacks the front bumper camera, unlike initial leaked images.
    2. The front bumper camera and washer system are now standard on all Tesla models except the pricier Model 3 Premium.
    3. Tesla has started manufacturing the updated 2026 Model 3 Premium, which includes a front bumper camera and turn signal stalk.
    4. Owners of older Model 3 Highland refreshes can retrofit the turn signal stalk for $595, but not the front bumper camera.
    5. The front bumper camera is crucial for Full Self-Driving (FSD) features, possibly affecting older models’ eligibility for Robotaxi service.

    While the initial leaked images of the Model 3 Highland refresh showcased a front bumper camera similar to the one first seen on the Cybertruck, the refreshed version released in the US did not include this feature.

    Missing Features

    The camera and washer system that is meant for the front bumper camera has since become standard across all Tesla models, including the more affordable Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard, leaving the pricier Model 3 Premium out of the loop.

    New Production Begins

    Tesla has commenced manufacturing an updated 2026 Model 3 Premium at its Fremont factory, and all new units now come equipped with both a front bumper camera and a turn signal stalk. Owners of the previous Model 3 Highland refresh who purchased their cars before this update can retrofit a turn signal stalk by paying $595 through Tesla’s online store.

    Retrofit Limitations

    However, the front bumper camera cannot be retrofitted, even though it seems like it would only require swapping out the Model 3 grille. This is disappointing since the camera is not just for parking assistance; Tesla removed the USS sensors from the bumper to save $144 each. There are indications that Tesla is integrating the feed from the bumper camera into its Full Self-Driving (FSD) algorithms, suggesting that older models lacking this camera may miss out on joining the Robotaxi service if Tesla eventually opens the platform to existing owners.

    Tesla tends to avoid spending on components that will see minimal use, so the inclusion of the front bumper camera might indeed be part of the FSD 14 feeds. This could be the reason Tesla is adding it to their future production units. The new FSD 14 allows users to choose where to park at the end of a journey, and the upcoming v14.2 will feature on-the-spot selection in parking garages, where a front bumper camera feed could prove to be very useful.

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    Model 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 StalkModel 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 StalkModel 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 StalkModel 3 Premium Adds Non-Retrofit Front Bumper Camera & $595 Stalk

     

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  • Tesla Model 3 Refresh: New Front Camera & Turn Signal Stalk

    Tesla Model 3 Refresh: New Front Camera & Turn Signal Stalk

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla has introduced updates for the Model 3 in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, enhancing its best-selling model.
    2. A new front bumper camera improves visibility and aids in the development of Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities.
    3. The Tesla “T” logo has been removed from the front trunk, while the “TESLA” name remains on the rear trunk.
    4. The traditional turn signal stalk has been reinstated, replacing less user-friendly touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel.
    5. Updates are currently being rolled out from Giga Shanghai, with plans for availability in North America and other regions soon.

    Tesla has rolled out fresh updates for the Model 3 in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, following its earlier launches in China. While these changes do not constitute a complete redesign, they showcase the electric vehicle manufacturer’s continuous efforts to enhance its best-selling model.

    New Features and Improvements

    One of the most significant updates is the addition of a front bumper camera. This enhancement boosts visibility by addressing blind spots, enabling drivers to navigate and park in more compact areas with greater ease. It also aids in the development of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. With this upgrade, all vehicles in Tesla’s lineup now feature a front bumper camera.

    Subtle Changes Outside

    Another minor exterior tweak is the removal of the Tesla “T” logo from the front trunk. However, the “TESLA” name on the rear trunk continues to be present.

    Enhancements Inside

    On the inside, Tesla has reinstated the traditional turn signal stalk. This feature, which was first brought back in China earlier this year, is now being implemented in other markets across Asia.

    The stalk replaces the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, which many drivers found less user-friendly, especially during heavy traffic situations. For those who bought the stalkless version of the Model 3, Tesla is providing a retrofit option.

    As of now, these updates are being sent out from Giga Shanghai for the Asian market, but it is anticipated that these modifications will soon be available in North America and other parts of the world.

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  • 2026 Model X/S Facelift Spy Shots: New Color, Cameras, Lighting

    Key Takeaways

    1. Tesla is updating the Model X and Model S this year, similar to the recent refresh of the Model Y and Model 3.
    2. The Model X refresh will feature a new front bumper camera, indicating improvements in specifications rather than major design changes.
    3. The front bumper camera is being integrated into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems, enhancing its functionality beyond parking assistance.
    4. The interior of the 2026 Model S and Model X will include sporty seats for the S, while the X will have less impressive seating, with new ambient lighting features.
    5. The 2026 Model S will have a more aggressive design, while the Model X will see minor updates, focusing primarily on technical improvements rather than aesthetics.

    While Tesla has been spotted testing the 2026 Model Y Performance and the updated Model S at the Nürburgring, the Model X facelift has also been seen in spy shots.

    Updates on Model X and Model S

    Tesla’s lead engineer, Lars Moravy, has shared that the Model X and Model S are set to receive updates later this year, similar to the Model Y and Model 3, as part of a comprehensive refresh across Tesla’s lineup.

    From the leaked images of what seems to be the 2026 Model X refresh, it appears that no major redesign is on the horizon. However, it’s noteworthy that Tesla is finally adding a front bumper camera like the one found on the new Model Y and the Cybertruck. This suggests that most modifications will focus on specifications and hardware, rather than aesthetics.

    Hardware Improvements

    In contrast to the Model Y, the Model X and Model S have been equipped with Tesla’s latest HW4 FSD kits for quite some time. Thus, the main enhancement here would be the front bumper camera, which was also present on the Model S spotted at the Nürburgring racetrack.

    Originally, Tesla utilized the front bumper camera for parking and off-road purposes, but there are signs that they are now integrating its footage into their FSD systems. The Cybercab is also equipped with this feature, and it is likely that Tesla plans to start including the front bumper camera in the Model 3 later this year to ensure that all refreshed vehicles in their lineup have it.

    Future Features

    It remains uncertain whether the bumper camera will be essential for unsupervised FSD and the robotaxi service. However, Tesla is known for being economical with extra components, suggesting that they might offer additional functions for this camera beyond just parking assistance.

    The interior of the upcoming 2026 Model S and Model X refresh is partly visible in these images. The Model S is expected to feature sporty seats, while the Model X seats appear somewhat lackluster, resembling those from the Cybertruck.

    The blue protective tape visible inside the new Model X/S is standard for vehicles leaving the factory, but in this instance, it seems to cover the ambient lighting strips that Tesla has begun incorporating into all new models.

    Design Details

    Aside from that, the 2026 Model X doesn’t seem to present a significant interior or design overhaul. However, Tesla will introduce a new blue color option, as shown in the leaked video below.

    The 2026 Model S has been redesigned to exhibit a more aggressive stance compared to its predecessor, featuring a new front and rear diffuser. Nevertheless, the majority of changes appear to be focused on the technical aspects, rather than on visual updates.

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