Unveiling the Beast: Elon Musk Teases the Performance Cybertruck

September 25, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Oracle teases a Cybertruck police cruiser

Oracle

You'll often see videos of a someone's first ride in a Tesla, but it turns out that it’s not only newcomers who get excited about taking a ride in a new Tesla.

Elon Musk posted on X.com: "I just drove the performance Cybertruck today, and it kicks ass next-level." The anticipation continues to grow, not only for the Cybertruck but now for the Performance Cybertruck as well.

Performance Naming Convention

Musk's mention of a Performance Cybertruck aligns with Tesla’s established naming conventions. The company offers Performance trims for the Model 3 and Model Y, and the more exclusive Plaid trims for the higher-end Model S and X. With this announcement, it seems that the Cybertruck is set to join the Performance ranks. This led to widespread speculation and curiosity about its features, motor configurations, and how it distinguishes itself from its siblings.

It also begs the question, why not Plaid? Tesla has one of the most unique names for the sports versions in the automotive industry. Move over SS, GT, AMG, M Series, etc.; the Plaid Cybertruck or Model 3 is here. However, it appears the Plaid and Ludicrous modes will be reserved for just the Model S and Model X.

Motor Configurations and Unveiled Mysteries

Initially, the Cybertruck was unveiled with single, dual, and tri-motor configuration options. In 2021, Musk stirred the waters further by announcing plans for a quad-motor setup. The availability of these configurations upon release remains one of the many mysteries yet to be unveiled. There have been many reports of changes to Cybertruck order pages, further fueling speculation that “something” is happening.

The strategic naming of the Cybertruck as a Performance model has ignited discussions about its imminent shipping, unique configurations, and potential adaptability. A Performance model would align with Larry Ellison's tease about the Cybertruck as a next-gen police vehicle. The possibility of the Cybertruck serving as a police vehicle adds another layer to the vehicle’s versatile applications and the potential for third-party applications.

Anticipated Launch and Unanswered Queries

While Musk’s tweet has fueled the excitement, it also leaves many questions unanswered. Official specs, configurations, pricing, and delivery timelines are still undisclosed. The Cybertruck, amassing over two million reservations, is set to enter volume production next year, with initial deliveries expected by year-end, pending necessary approvals and certifications. As for the price, everyone has their own guess, but it is interesting that it costs the same amount of referral points to enter the Model 3 Performance draw as it did to enter the Cybertruck sweepstakes.

Musk has long promised that Cybertruck deliveries would take place in 2023, with a production ramp-up in 2024. Time is ticking as we are set to enter the fourth quarter of the year.

Tesla to Eliminate the Steering Wheel Nag in FSD v12.4; Vehicles Supported and Release Date

May 9, 2024

By Not a Tesla App Staff

In a recent interaction on X, Elon Musk confirmed that the long-standing steering wheel nag, designed to ensure driver attentiveness, would be removed in FSD v12.4.

Musk initially replied to a user on X claiming that FSD v12.4 would fix the steering wheel nag. However, it wasn't clear what Musk meant by fixed until user, Farzard, created another post stating that Musk insinuated that the nag would be removed in FSD v12.4, to which Musk replied with “Yes.”

Tesla's removal of the steering wheel nag isn't surprising, as Tesla's camera-based driver monitoring system in the vehicle can in theory do a much better job monitoring the driver's attentiveness. So before NHTSA has a heart attack with Musk's comment, it's important to understand that Tesla is likely improving cabin camera monitoring in this same update to the point that the steering wheel nag becomes redundant.

How Tesla Uses the Cabin Camera

Tesla uses the cabin camera to detect whether a driver is paying attention to the road by detecting whether their eyes are open, which way their head is facing, and even whether the driver is using their phone.

Thanks to Tesla hacker Greentheonly, we know Tesla uses the vehicle’s interior camera output and AI to determine the likelihood of each scenario they're looking for. For example, Tesla runs neural networks that look at the video feed of the cabin camera and determine whether the driver is looking up at the road, looking off to the side, or looking down.

This Won't be the End of the Steering Wheel Nag

While Musk's statement implies the removal of the steering wheel nag, Tesla will probably retain it as a fallback measure, at least in early iterations of the suspected improved camera-based monitoring system.

The steering wheel nag may still be used when the cabin camera can't confidently determine whether the driver is paying attention. This could be caused by sunglasses, hats, glare, or even driving at night. Newer Teslas include interior infrared lights that help the camera see in the dark, although not all Teslas on the road include infrared lights.

Will It Also Remove It For Basic Autopilot?

While Musk says Tesla will remove the steering wheel nag in FSD v12.4, the need to detect driver attentiveness isn’t unique to FSD. Tesla detects for driver attentiveness in all their Autopilot packages, including Basic Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and FSD. It’s not clear whether Tesla plans to only remove the nag in FSD, but it looks like Tesla will at least start there and the feature will likely work its way down to Enhance Autopilot and Basic Autopilot as well.

Vehicles Supported

The only Teslas expected to take advantage of the “nag-less” improvements in FSD v12.4 are those with cabin cameras, which include the Model 3, Model Y, Cybertruck, and the redesigned Model S and Model X. However, the newest vehicles with infrared lights near the cabin camera will likely benefit the most.

FSD v12.4 Release Date and Features

Elon Musk indicated that FSD v12.4 could start rolling out as early as next week. Musk doesn't usually reveal what's in each FSD update, but he did talk about what we should expect in FSD v12.4, disclosing that the update will largely focus on refining passenger comfort by addressing concerns such as abrupt acceleration and braking.

Musk went on to tease some of the improvements to expect in subsequent versions like v12.5 and v12.6, but the primary focus of v12.4 seems to be delivering a smoother and better driving experience.

Musk Shares What to Expect in FSD v12.4 Next Week; Talks About Abilities of FSD v12.5 and v12.6

May 8, 2024

By Not a Tesla App Staff

Less than two weeks since its last FSD update, Tesla is getting ready to release FSD v12.4, with CEO Elon Musk hinting at significant improvements. The current version, 12.3.6, introduced Autopark and High Fidelity Park Assist for vehicles equipped with ultrasonic sensors in the U.S. and Canada, along with minor fixes for FSD.

Just an hour ago, Musk shed some light on Tesla's next FSD update. Through his X account, Musk teased the imminent release of v12.4, stating, "Probably start rolling out 12.4 next week." Moreover, he provided insights into the development process and the features users can expect in the upcoming 12.4 version, as well as v12.5 and v12.6.

What to Expect in FSD v12.4

Musk says that FSD 12.4 has extensive retraining of AI models that particularly focuses on refining the comfort of passengers by addressing concerns around abrupt acceleration or braking. Musk previously commented on the next versions of FSD saying that FSD v12.4 and 12.5 would be major improvements, and while v12.4 may be a major step forward, it looks like its main focus will be on being more natural and smoother.

"Probably start rolling out 12.4 next week."

FSD v12.5 and v12.6 to Handle More Complex Scenarios

Looking ahead, Tesla is already laying the groundwork for future updates according to Musk. The CEO previously stated that Tesla is constantly working on FSD updates that are three to six months ahead of what’s in production, so they have a good idea of what the software will be able to handle in the future.

Today on X, Musk said that there's ongoing testing for FSD versions 12.5 and 12.6, which involves tackling complex scenarios. Musk says this includes navigating narrow, one-way roads and handling unexpected road closures, requiring the vehicle to reverse and find alternate routes.

Actually Smart Summon in v12.5?

Tesla’s Autopilot lead, Ashok Elluswamy, previously talked about how FSD would gain the ability to go in reverse when Tesla is ready to release Actually Smart Summon. If the ability to reverse is still tied to some of the abilities of Actually Smart Summon, then, it’s possible we may see Tesla’s better summon implementation in version 12.5 or 12.6.

Vehicles to be Able to Communicate with Fleet

Musk also gives us some insight into vehicle communication, saying vehicles will need to be able to communicate with the fleet so that you "don't get a whole bunch of Teslas stuck down a road."

Instead of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, Tesla will likely have vehicles report back to the "mothership," where Tesla can aggregate data and report it to nearby vehicles. This is similar to how vehicles report traffic today, instead of talking directly to each other.

Spending on AI

Tesla's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities is evident through its substantial investments. Musk recently emphasized the company's dedication to spending around $10 billion throughout 2024 on training and inference AI. Musk said that any company that isn’t spending billions on AI this year just won’t be able to compete.

Expansion of FSD

Tesla appears ready to start the expansion of FSD, and it looks like China may be up first. Musk's recent visit to Beijing to discuss a potential FSD rollout and data sharing shows that Tesla is ready and serious about FSD's expansion.

While FSD's rollout in China appears promising, Musk remains cautiously optimistic about expanding into other markets. He believes that FSD v12 is ready for supervised FSD in left-hand drive (LHD) countries, while right-hand drive (RHD) markets like the UK and Australia may require additional time.