Tesla Delivers First Hardware 4.0 Vehicles; Some Software Issues [Updated Again]

By Lennon Cihak
Tesla delivers Model X with HW4 installed
Tesla delivers Model X with HW4 installed
jasondclinton/Reddit

Tesla has started delivering vehicles with hardware 4.0 installed, but certain features are not available.

Tesla's FSD HW 4.0 was leaked by Tesla hacker and owner Greentheonly when he showed off photos and details of HW4 on Twitter, explaining that HW4 would have upgraded 5mp cameras, improved processing power, and an all-new high-definition radar.

A few weeks ago, we reported that Tesla will deliver its first HW4 vehicles without the suspected additional cameras. Shortly after, Twitter user Kilowatts ventured into one of Tesla’s vehicle lots and was able to snap photos of some of the first Teslas with hardware 4.0.

Delivery of HW4 Model X

A poster on Reddit shared pictures and video of his 2023 Model X delivery, showcasing hardware 4.0. According to their post, the vehicle was built on February 25th and delivered March 5th, a mere 10 days after being built.

Software Still a Work In Progress

Teslas with hardware 4.0 are missing visualizations, TACC and Autopilot right now
Teslas with hardware 4.0 are missing visualizations, TACC and Autopilot right now
jasondclinton/Reddit

However, several features on his vehicle are currently unavailable as Tesla appears to still be developing and testing software for HW4. These features include almost everything that utilizes the vehicle's cameras, including Autopilot and Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC). Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) is also disabled.

The visualizations on-screen are also absent, the vehicle displays almost no visualizations of any kind. According to the author of the post, only road markings are visible.

The vehicle does not show any details confirming it has HW4 in any of the usual places such as the software tab, in the 'additional vehicle information' dialog, or in Tesla's Service menu. However, the owner says that Tesla themselves confirmed that the vehicle is equipped with Tesla's latest FSD hardware and the author's photos confirm the presence of the new cameras.

HW4 Timeline for Other Teslas

While Tesla continues to work on the software for HW4, we’re anticipating the Model 3 and Model Y vehicles to follow with HW4 deliveries at some point this year. Tesla’s “Project Highland” is making way, but Tesla may add hardware 4.0 to the Cybertruck first, as the new hardware may be constrained due to ramping production.

Retrofits for HW4

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that HW4 will not be available for retrofits. He’s said that as long as HW3 remains safer than a human then there’s no need for an upgrade. The entire computer has been rebuilt and rearranged, making it much more difficult to pop it into HW3 vehicles.

After Greentheonly’s leak about HW4 last month, Munro Live shared an in-depth video explaining every detail of HW4 and what to expect. Additionally, they went over why retrofits are not feasible.

Update

Update: The owner, Jason has updated their Reddit post to provide an update on some of the missing ADAS features. He noticed that his rear camera was failing and that he could reset it in Tesla's Service Mode.

Resetting the camera would bring it back online, however, it crashes again just minutes later. Jason was able to have the camera online long enough to confirm that Autopilot was available if the camera was working. However, as soon as it crashes, Autopilot and other features would go offline, even if they didn't completely depend on the rear camera.

For example, visualizations would appear, but as the rear camera crashed, they would completely disappear, even if the objects that were in front of the car.

Jason said that Navigate on Autopilot, TACC and visualizations appeared to be available while the rear camera was online, but it wasn't clear whether all features were available such as AutoPark, Summon and FSD Beta.

This appears to be a software-related issue, but it's not clear at this time whether it's affecting everyone with hardware 4.0 or if it's limited to some vehicles.

Update 2

Update 2: The vehicle in question has now received another software update, version 2023.201, which contains "bug fixes."

This update has fixed the issue with the rear camera and the vehicle has regained access to Autopilot, TACC, vehicle visualizations and other features, although AutoPark and FSD Beta are still unavailable. This update addresses the larger concerns and reestablishes the major features of the vehicle, however, we hope the additional functionality is restored soon.

Tesla Launches 'TeslaVision' Contest With Big Prizes — See Last Year’s Winner [VIDEO]

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla’s marketing has always been relatively unconventional, relying on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising. The passion of the owner’s community is always massive, but it is especially high now with the launch of the Robotaxi network just around the corner.

Tesla is now tapping into that spring of fan creativity and announced the TeslaVision video contest, with some seriously impressive prizes up for grabs.

The Contest

The core of the contest is simple. Create a video that shows how your Tesla gives you more in life. Tesla is looking for submissions that highlight themes of freedom, safety, fun, and convenience.

Prizes

The prizes definitely make this contest worth entering if you’re good with a camera and have some basic video editing abilities.

For North America, the prizes include a brand new Model Y AWD Long Range, alongside an all-expenses-paid trip to Austin for a tour of Giga Texas. The grand prize winner will also be able to custom order their Model Y, allowing them to select their preferred wheels and color.

The two runners-up won’t get a Model Y, but they’ll also enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to Giga Texas for a tour of the factory.

The travel and tour include lodging in Austin for 2 nights, as well as economy-class round-trip tickets from anywhere in North America. Tesla will also provide a vehicle for use during the trip.

Hopefully, these winners will also have the opportunity to experience the Robotaxi network while they’re in Austin, as it’s expected to be opened to the public later this month.

Project Loveday

For long-time followers of Tesla, this contest may feel familiar. The contest is a direct throwback to the 2017 Project Loveday contest, which was inspired by a letter to Tesla from a 10-year-old aspiring marketer. That contest was won by MKBHD, with his submission below:

How to Enter

If you’re ready to start filming, here are the key pieces of information you’ll need to know:

  • Video must be 90 seconds or less

  • Video must be uploaded to YouTube with a public URL

  • Make a post on X and Instagram tagging “@Tesla” and include the words “TeslaVision contest” in the post.

  • Provide links to both social media posts in your submission to Tesla’s form

  • Provide your personal details in the form

  • You have until July 17th, 2025, or until Tesla receives 10,000 entries, whichever comes first.

You can find the official submission form and all region-specific details on Tesla's website.

Tesla Officially Unveils New Model S and Model X: All the Changes [Photos]

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

After numerous sightings and weeks of anticipation, Tesla has finally unveiled the refreshed Model S and Model X. While we knew what to expect, Tesla managed to sneak in a few additional improvements, such as increasing the range for these vehicles.

While not a ground-up redesign, this update introduces a front bumper camera, ambient lighting, new wheels, colors, and more.

Let’s go through all the changes.

Longer Range

Tesla is increasing the range of these vehicles, with the Model X seeing the biggest improvements. These changes are likely the result of improved aerodynamic efficiency from the new wheel designs and other smaller improvements.

The biggest gain comes from the Model X Long Range, which increases its range from 329 miles to 352 miles, an improvement of 23 miles or about 7%.

Below is a table with the new and old ranges for these vehicles.

2025 Model

2026 Refresh

Model S Long Range

410 mi

410 mi

Model S Plaid

348 mi

368 mi

Model X Long Range

329 mi

352 mi

Model X Plaid

314 mi

335 mi

New Bumpers

The most noticeable exterior change is reserved for the Model S and X Plaid, which are both receiving an updated front fascia with a new, sportier bumper. While the change looks subtle, the new lower spoiler lip gives both vehicles a slightly more aggressive look while also improving aerodynamics, according to Tesla.

New Grill

The new Model S
The new Model S
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has also updated the grill on these vehicles slightly. The Long Range model now has the entire grill area, including the Tesla logo in matte black instead of chrome. The Plaid versions receive a carbon fiber accent in the grill, which helps the Plaid models stand out.

Front Bumper Camera

Same Headlights, but still slick in the new Frost Blue.
Same Headlights, but still slick in the new Frost Blue.
Not a Tesla App

Putting the stylistic changes aside, embedded in that front bumper is a new front-facing bumper camera with this refresh. This finally brings the Model S and Model X on par with the Cybertruck and refreshed Model Y - and leaves the refreshed Model 3 as the last of Tesla’s vehicles without a bumper camera.

While Tesla isn’t using the new camera for low-speed maneuvering just yet, we think that they will require it for both Unsupervised FSD, as well as Banish, and future versions of Smart Summon. The front bumper camera also includes a washer, similar to the Cybertruck and new Model Y.

New Wheels

The new wheels with the Aero Covers removed.
The new wheels with the Aero Covers removed.
Not a Tesla App

Tesla is introducing four new sets of wheels with new specifications for these updated models. The Perihelix wheels are standard on the Model X and the Magnetite wheels are standard on the Model S. Velarium wheels are a $4.5k premium for the Model S, while the Machina wheels on the X cost an additional $5,500.

However, as you can see in the table below, the optional wheels also reduce the range of these vehicles.

Wheel

Top Speed (LR)

Top Speed (Plaid)

Range (LR)

Range (Plaid)

19” Magnetite (Model S)

130mph

149mph

410mi

368mi

21” Velarium (Model S)

149mph

200mph*

380mi

328mi

20” Perihelix (Model X)

149mph

149mph

352mi

335mi

22” Machina (Model X)

155mph

163mph

316mi

303mi

*The Plaid’s 200mph top speed requires the updated Track Pack, which is currently not available.

New Colors

Not a Tesla App

Joining the color palette for this refresh are two new colors. Frost Blue Metallic is a new light blue multi-coat paint option. Tesla is also introducing Diamond Black for both its flagship vehicles. The previous colors, Stealth Grey (Standard), Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Lunar Silver, remain available as well.

Frost Blue will be a premium paint option for $2,500 USD, while Diamond Black will cost $1,500 USD.

New Animated Ambient Lighting

The updated interior.
The updated interior.
Not a Tesla App

Inside, the refresh introduces a feature that has become a standard for the rest of Tesla’s lineup: multi-color ambient lighting. The configurable light strip wraps around the cabin, similar to the rest of Tesla’s vehicles, and offers owners some additional personalization. The light strip extends from the dashboard to both sides of the center console and through the front and rear doors.

Unlike the Model 3 and Model Y, the ambient lighting isn’t just on the dash and doors. Tesla also added it to the sides of the center console, which helps differentiate it slightly from the Model 3 and Y while also illuminating the cabin a little more.

Even more so, this ambient lighting can now be animated, allowing lights to transition to different colors so that the entire strip doesn’t need to be the same color.

LED Footwell Lights

SawyerMerritt/X

The LED footwell lights and door pocket lights are now also color-selectable, which is a new feature that’s exclusive to the Model S and X. The footwell and pocket lights can be controlled independently or synced to the light strip lighting. While these little touches are a nice addition, they don’t do much to set these vehicles apart from the Model 3 and Y.

New Startup Animation

Tesla has also added a new entry animation that plays when the driver or front passenger doors are opened, which is synced across the dash and door trim lighting. This is similar to the new Model Y Launch Series animation, but Tesla takes it to a new level here by incorporating the ambient lighting.

The animation begins on the center display, zooming out on a red-glowing Tesla logo. The red light then spreads to the instrument cluster and is then carried throughout the cabin via the ambient lighting. It’s a nice touch.

Improved Noise Isolation

The Model S and Model X have always been quiet compared to the Model 3 and Model Y, but Tesla says they’ve made it even quieter in this refresh. They reduced wind and road noise and improved their Active Noise Cancellation feature.

While it’s unclear how much quieter they are, these new vehicles are heavier than the version they replaced, so additional sound-dampening material was likely added.

Improved Suspension

In Tesla’s post on X, they say these models also have a smoother ride thanks to new bushings and an updated suspension design. Although Tesla likely didn’t update these vehicles to use the newer suspension in the Cybertruck, it’s good to know there are some improvements here as well.

Improved Third Row and Cargo Space

The Model X also gets a boost in practicality, with some additional room in the third row. Before anyone gets too excited about this, it’s important to understand that the frame of the vehicle hasn’t changed, so the improvements here are likely minor.

When we compare the cargo room information provided by Tesla for the previous vehicle to this new one, the total cargo space increases from 92 cubic feet to 94.5 cubic feet, representing a 2.5 cubic foot improvement. Although this appears significant, it’s unclear where the changes are coming from.

It’s possible they redesigned the bottom trunk area to expose more room that was available underneath the cabin, or they may have improved the third-row seats to expose the area underneath them, but unfortunately, we just don’t have enough information to know for sure.

Yoke Steering Wheel

While there are no changes to the steering wheel in these vehicles, Tesla is now making the optional yoke steering wheel only available on the Plaid models.

These vehicles initially launched with the yoke steering wheel, but Tesla later added an option to choose between the yoke or standard steering wheel option. Soon after, Tesla made the yoke steering wheel a $1,000 option and the standard wheel became the default option. Now, the yoke steering wheel is only available as an optional upgrade for the Model S and Model X Plaid variants.

Same FSD and MCU Hardware

While the interior and exterior have received some light touch-ups, the actual hardware that powers the infotainment unit and FSD has not been upgraded.

While Tesla is already working on HW5, it’s not due out until sometime next year. These vehicles, just like the Model 3 and Y, will include FSD HW4 and the AMD Ryzen (MCU3) powered infotainment unit.

Price Increase

Tesla has updated the pricing on both the Model S and Model X, increasing the price by $5k across the various trim levels.

While the refreshed models included a few surprises, many were hoping for larger changes and potentially even some of the Cybertruck’s innovative features, such as Powershare or the 800V architecture that Tesla said would be coming to future models.

The absence of these features and the price increase leave some wondering whether these vehicles may be worth the price, especially since so many features were brought over to the new Model 3 and Model Y.

In February, Tesla had already increased the price of these vehicles by $5k, bringing the Model S Long Range from $75k to $80k and now $85k.

2025

2026

Model S Long Range

$79,990

$84,990

Model S Plaid

$94,990

$99,990

Model X Long Range

$84,990

$89,990

Model X Plaid

$99,990

$104,990

Production, Shipping, Discounts

Given that the changes to the design are relatively minimal, Tesla likely has only a few minor tooling updates to make. Over on the website, new orders have an estimated delivery window of approximately 3 to 5 weeks.

Tesla will likely begin reaching out to customers who’ve previously ordered a new Model S or Model X and note that the vehicle they receive will be the refreshed variant instead. Those customers previously had a 2-4 week wait before their orders were ready.

It seems likely that over the next few weeks, Model S and Model X inventory vehicles will begin to receive some light discounts to get any leftover vehicles moving. In general, Tesla keeps a relatively low inventory of its two flagships, so if you spot an older S or X and are in the market for a discount, this will likely be your chance.

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