Tesla may have multiple versions of FSD hardware 4.0
@GreenTheOnly/Twitter
Since its introduction, Tesla's Hardware 4 (HW4), the company's most advanced full self-driving computer, has been shrouded in mystery. Renowned Tesla hacker @greentheonly, or Green, has uncovered more details about HW4, providing valuable insight into its technology.
2-SOC Version and Camera Layouts
Green's analysis of firmware samples led to the discovery of the shipping version of HW4, internally referred to as the 2-SOC (System on a Chip) version. This version supports two possible camera layouts: the current one or an expanded one with added surround-view cameras, such as a front bumper camera and two additional side cameras. These cameras can run at a resolution of 2880x1876 and reach up to 45 frames per second. The main and backup cameras have unique specifications, with the vendor yet to be determined.
The new Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is reportedly based on the Teseo V platform, while the radar system connects via Ethernet and operates on an internal IP address of 192.168.90.110.
Initial HW4 Camera Connectors and New Cameras
Initially, Green revealed HW4 with 12 camera connectors, and new cameras were expected to be used in HW4 vehicles. However, the first vehicles with HW4, specifically the Model S and Model X, have the new hardware but do not include the new cameras. As previously reported in our Project Highland article, Tesla plans to add a new camera to the bumper and one more to each side of the vehicle.
Two HW4 Setups and the 3-SOC Version
Green's latest findings show two HW4 setups: one with additional cameras and one without. Additionally, Green's firmware analysis has uncovered the existence of a 3-SOC version in development. The camera layouts for this version remain the same, but the internal deserializing routing differs.
Increased heat output from the GPU in HW4 has possibily led to limitations in its capabilities. The 3-SOC version could potentially address this issue by offering better heat dissipation or paving the way for new hardware. However, the exact purpose and development of the 3-SOC version remain uncertain at this time.
Tesla Semi Truck-related Findings
In another intriguing development, Green's firmware analysis revealed information related to Tesla's Semi truck, with the Battery Management System (BMS) and all three subpacks accessible over an internal ethernet network.
These discoveries by @greentheonly provide a comprehensive understanding of the advanced technology behind Tesla's HW4. As the most advanced full self-driving computer on the market, its potential applications and capabilities are undoubtedly exciting for the automotive industry and consumers.
As Tesla continues to develop and refine its full self-driving technology, it is crucial to address questions about its safety, functionality, and integration with existing systems. The world eagerly awaits further developments in the cutting-edge HW4 and the autonomous driving experience it promises to deliver.
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Following the surprising return of the turn signal stalk on the refreshed Model Y, reliable Tesla source Chris Zheng has indicated that the Model 3 will also be receiving a turn stalk. While it initially seems surprising, Tesla mentioned that after receiving lots of customer feedback, there is a lot of demand for the return of the stalk.
For those who appreciate the newer turn signal buttons on vehicles like the Cybertruck, this might come as a surprise. However, the Model 3 and Model Y are designed for the average driver transitioning from a traditional vehicle, making the removal of the turn signal stalk an unexpected and potentially disappointing change.
Turn Stalk
In a conversation during the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, mentioned that Tesla works to remove superfluous parts. In this case, they removed one part too many - and are now bringing back the turn signal stalk.
The updated stalk on the refreshed Model Y is a simplified version of the current Model Y stalk. It doesn’t include multi-stage turn signals (short three flashes versus staying), buttons, or other features. Pure and simple - it is utilized for signaling left and right. The rest of the functions of a traditional stalk remain either on the wheel or on the screen.
Lack of Right ‘Shifter’ Stalk
Tesla has no intent to bring back the right stalk, which is traditionally used to shift the vehicle from Drive to Reverse and Park in Teslas. It’s also used to activate Autopilot. The shifting functionality will remain on-screen or available via the backup by tapping the buttons on the ceiling near the hazards button. Shifting via the dash is intuitive and convenient once you get used to it - and with AutoShift hopefully coming out of Beta sometime soon, this could get even better.
Autopilot activation will remain with a button on the steering wheel. While a vehicle with a single stalk may look a little odd at first, Lars mentioned that Tesla didn’t receive many complaints about shifting or Autopilot use.
Retrofit
Not a Tesla App
We haven’t heard anything about retrofitting the 2024+ Model 3s with the turn signal stalk at this point. However, we imagine this may be a possibility in the future.
However, we can recommend using the wireless Enhauto’s S3XY Stalks if you want to bring a single or dual stalks back to your refreshed Model 3 and don’t want to wait for an official retrofit to arrive. They’re easy to install, well-designed, and reliable.
Other Models
The big question now is: will Tesla bring back the turn signal stalk for its other models? It’s possible, but we doubt it. The Model S and Model X, especially with the Yoke, feel more natural without a stalk, and the button-based signals suit their design. While a stalk might occasionally be useful—like signaling in and out of a roundabout—any future refresh of the S or X would likely include steer-by-wire instead.
On the Cybertruck, the absence of a stalk goes unnoticed, thanks to steer-by-wire, as the squircle steering wheel is never in an awkward position. After thousands of kilometers of daily driving, including plenty of roundabouts, the author can confidently say the signal stalk isn’t missed at all. In fact, the turn signal buttons feel more intuitive, given how the Cybertruck handles.
That said, could Tesla offer signal stalks as an option for those who prefer them? It’s not out of the question. We’ll keep you updated, but in the meantime, let us know—do you prefer turn signal buttons or a traditional stalk?
xAI’s Grok AI Model has been receiving rapid updates, similar to Tesla’s FSD. After waiting for a major update, the latest version—Grok 3—is set to launch with a live demo on February 17th.
Grok 3 is supposed to bring big improvements, as xAI has changed its approach to training the Large Language Model (LLM). Unlike many other LLMs, Grok can access real-time information and adapt its answers based on the latest news and discussions happening on X’s platform, making it more suited for current events or breaking news.
At the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Elon also mentioned that Grok 3 is already outperforming its competitors, so there is a lot to look forward to. Let’s dig into the new capabilities and then see why they matter to Tesla drivers.
New Capabilities
This time, Grok is set to feature self-correction, reinforcement learning, and synthetic datasets. Self-correction allows Grok to identify and fix its own mistakes, with human oversight ensuring that the process is guided. This helps refine Grok’s future responses as part of its ongoing training.
Reinforcement learning, meanwhile, rewards or penalizes the AI based on its actions. When it performs correctly, it receives a reward, reinforcing that behavior; penalties reduce the likelihood of undesirable actions. Combined with new synthetic datasets, xAI can accelerate Grok’s training process, much like how Tesla’s AI team has been refining FSD. There’s definitely a lot of overlap between the two.
Voice Support
Grok is one of the few remaining publicly available AIs that doesn’t have a live-voice mode. Its competitors - including Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT - both have live voice response and reasoning and will also integrate and hook into 3rd-party services over voice.
Musk has previously stated that all Tesla vehicles will eventually receive Grok as a Smart Voice Assistant—one far more capable than the current voice command system.
Tonight’s demo, at 8 pm PT is expected to be live, potentially showing off the integration into Tesla vehicles. Millions of existing Tesla vehicles worldwide could soon take advantage of Grok as a voice assistant. There’s even a rumor of a wake word for the feature — potentially Grok.
Grok’s real-time capabilities mean you could ask it to add a stop to your route for food at the highest-rated local restaurant with minimal wait. Grok would gather and process that information while your car drives itself, then update your route, allowing FSD to take you directly there. You’ll also be able to ask general knowledge questions, such as the weather for tomorrow or the price of Tesla stock.
Controlling the vehicle will also be greatly upgraded. While the current voice command system can handle simple tasks like “Open Charge Port” or “Turn on Defrost,” the new system should be able to handle more complex requests and allow drivers to ask things in a more natural way.
We expect to find out more about Grok in Teslas tonight. Even if the demo tonight doesn’t specifically mention Tesla, a look at Grok’s new abilities could be a first look at what we’ll soon be able to experience in our Teslas.