Tesla has started to roll out its latest update — 2022.40.1
ArsalamiSandwich
Tesla owners who are dog lovers no longer have to decide between Sentry Mode and Dog Mode. That is just one of several enhancements in the latest update — 2022.40.1.
Other improvements include battery preconditioning, driver door unlock and radio station logos, while existing features have launched in new regions.
New Features
Let's start with the Sentry and Dog Mode combo. Both of these features would rate high on items that Tesla owners appreciate about their vehicles. Sentry is a best-in-class security/surveillance system, and Dog Mode keeps the cabin at an appropriate temperature for your pet while you are away.
However, the two systems did not work together because Sentry would constantly be triggered whenever the dog moved inside the vehicle. For those who have dogs that love car rides, this meant not being able to use Sentry to protect your car and your dog. Now both features can be used together for most vehicles. This update silences Sentry Mode alarms while still recording and keeping the temperature safe for your pooch.
Listening to the radio may get more appealing with the addition of radio station logos to the media player.
The radio in a Tesla doesn't get a lot of recognition since competes against music streaming services and other entertainment that have much more engaging screens, but Tesla did a great job with its radio implementation.
The radio will automatically scan for local stations, so you can just tap to get to your favorite station. It also offers a direct input instead of a radio dial and now features radio station icons to make it easier to find your favorite station. With this update the list of radio stations has been changed to a grid to make room for the station name and logo. When playing an FM radio station, the station's logo will also appear in the album artwork area of the music player. (Photo credit to ArsalamiSandwich).
Tesla will now display radio stations logo in the media player
ArsalamiSandwich
Voice directions are now available in Hebrew in the Middle East. Tesla continues to expand the languages offered in its vehicles. It's estimated that 9 million people speak Hebrew worldwide.
Improvements to Existing Features
In an effort to speed up charging times, the thermal system control will now be optimized to match the charging station's power capability. The company has been expanding its vast network of Superchargers, which means there are many variations in the station output. This update means your Tesla won't waste too much energy preparing the battery if you're headed to a slower DC charging station.
Update 2021.44 added the ability to only unlock the driver's door when the handle is pressed to improve safety. However, it wasn't ideal when traveling with passengers as they would have to wait until you get into the vehicle to open the other doors.
With update 2022.40, Tesla did what it does best — improve vehicle features. If you have the Driver Door Unlock Mode feature on, you can now hold and press the interior driver door switch to unlock all vehicle doors and trunk.
If this update Tesla is also adding this feature to the new Model S.
To access Driver Door Unlock Mode, tap Controls > Lock > Driver Door Unlock Mode.
More vehicles and regions now have access to a consistent regenerative braking feel even when it's limited. For example, regenerative braking may not be available when the battery is at a max charge or in certain weather conditions. In May 2022, Tesla sent out an update to many areas and vehicles, allowing the car to behave the same way when it is decelerating with or without regenerative braking. This feature enables drivers to perfect the one-foot driving technique at all times.
With this update, it is now available for some legacy Model S and Model X vehicles.
With winter coming, the Tire Configuration program is now for the Model Y as well. It allows users to reset the learned tire settings after a tire rotation or replacement for an improved driving experience. To reset, tap Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire Configuration > Tires.
Other changes include exterior lighting improvements and Sentry Mode Live Camera Access added to Israel, Supercharger details included in China, and Boombox is now available in Japan. However, Hong Kong went against the trend as it continues to allow fewer features. The dashcam viewer has been removed, the country recently took away Tesla's arcade and Toybox.
The Tesla Roadster 2.0 could be Tesla's next vehicle to hit production
Tesla
Tesla's Chief Designer, Franz von Holzhausen, has designed the company's entire fleet of vehicles, but the Model S, 3, X, Y, Cybertruck and Semi are not his favorites. "My favorite one is the one that is coming.
I can't talk about (it)," von Holzhausen told CNBC. He then quickly pivoted the conversation away from that topic. Nevertheless, several rumored vehicles will be the next to carry the "T" logo. So, which one is the creative mind of Tesla referring to in his evasive answer?
Franz von Holzhausen Interview
Let's start with the suspects. A cheaper, smaller and less expensive electric vehicle has been predicted for years. More recently, there have been ideas about a van. And then there is the second generation of the highly anticipated Roadster. While von Holzhausen didn't talk about the next one, he did give some clues later in the interview. "My all-time favorite car is a '62 250 GTO (Ferrari). I mean, it is quintessential. It's an insane car. I'm also a big fan of this kind of wedge era. The early (Lamborghini) Countachs, the whole kind of flat, low sports car. Those were always the posters on my wall."
The Designer Loves Sports Cars
When a 54-year-old man reminisces about the cars featured in posters plastered on his wall when he was a kid, he is not excited about a van or a compact vehicle — no, he is excited about a sports car. The second-generation Roadster was unveiled in 2017 simultaneously with the Semi. But there hasn't been much mention of the sports car since. The company is just now delivering Semis, and Cybertrucks are expected in 2023, but the Roadster doesn't have an ETA. Or does it? The chief designer says, "… the one that is coming." So, we can only assume that the Roadster is next to hit the production line.
Tesla Roadster 2.0
A Designer Who has Changed the Industry
One of the first employees of Tesla back in 2008, von Holzhausen, recalls the early days and how things have changed. "There is a moment that I thought when I first joined Tesla that it would be great to see multiple Teslas in one drive experience around town. And now, it's hard to go anywhere without seeing a bunch of Teslas. So, it's great to see the impact that Tesla has had in people's lives but also how it's changed the industry. It really pushed this idea that an EV can be better than an internal combustion vehicle."
He also gave some insight into designing vehicles that have and continue to change the auto industry, "Tesla isn't beholden to what has been done in the past. We are always trying to push the boundaries and deliver on a promise of something fun, something enjoyable and something you would love to own and tell your friends about."
It looks like The Roadster could be the next fun, enjoyable vehicle to tell everyone about.
Tesla’s gearing up for a small "revamp" of its popular Model 3 vehicle, which is set to go into production in the middle of 2023.
According to Reuters, the revamp is called “Project Highland” and aimed at lowering the production costs and increasing the Model 3’s attractiveness and not because it needs a redesign. The Model 3 was launched back in 2017, and Tesla has already sold well over 1 million of them.
According to our sources, don’t expect a design overhaul of the Model 3, though. Instead, Project Highland will focus on reducing the number of components and complexity of the Model 3’s interior.
The main goal of this Model 3 revamp is to increase manufacturing efficiencies and reduce costs. Tesla would like to get the Long Range and possibly the Performance variants of the Model 3 to qualify for the US tax incentive for 2023. Under this tax credit, manufacturers’ suggested retail price for brand-new sedans must be less than $55,000. For SUVs, trucks and vans, the maximum price is capped at $80,000.
Our previous evaluation of the vehicles that would qualify include the Model 3 RWD, Model Y Long Range (AWD), and Model Y Performance. However, this will likely change once the revamp goes into production.
Do not expect new vehicle features to be added to the Model 3, such as a rear display, air suspension, or ventilated seats. These features would raise the price of the Model 3 and create a significant overlap between the Model 3 and the refreshed Model S.
Yoke Steering Wheel
One new feature that is possible in this Model 3 revamp is the introduction of a yoke steering wheel or more likely, a wheel similar to the Tesla Semi, which has capacitive controls and no stalks. The stalks are replaced with capacitive controls on the steering wheel and touch controls on the vehicle's display. We previously reported on this rumor in August.
Redesign Rumors
A few rumors are floating around online including a redesigned front bumper and removal of door handles in exchange for touchless doors like the Cybertruck and Roadster 2.0, although our source tells us that this is cool, but not accurate.
2023 Model 3 Update
Based on recent rumors -Bumper facelift (in line with Y/S/X) -No door handles, wing mirrors or ultra sonics (as Cybertruck) pic.twitter.com/GQ5k64bV4O
Over the past few years, Tesla has made significant efficiencies in the way it builds and manufactures vehicles. Recently, the Model Y switched to a single-mold front casting. This requires 169 fewer pieces and 1,600 fewer welds. To achieve this, Tesla is using its Giga Presses at its Berlin Gigafactory.
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Although we share official Tesla release notes, we are not affiliated with Tesla Motors. We are Tesla fans and supporters.
