Tesla Makes Surprising Move: Drastically Reduces Speakers in Model Y RWD Variant

Tesla is reducing the speakers in the RWD Model Y from 14 to 7 and a single amplifier

Tesla

Tesla's approach to vehicle design has been about delivering maximum enjoyment, encapsulated in its aim to make cars "the most fun you can have in a vehicle." That’s why it's such a head-scratcher that the company has removed speakers from the most popular car in its lineup.

The Model Y RWD now includes a "Custom Audio" system, scaling down to seven speakers with a single amplifier and, notably, the absence of a subwoofer (h/t Drive Tesla Canada). This reduction from the previously lauded 13-speaker arrangement, including a subwoofer and two amplifiers, marks a significant shift in Tesla's audio offering for this model.

Audio Downgrade Detailed

The change raises questions about the impact on the overall audio experience, especially given Tesla's emphasis on the sound quality in their vehicles as part of the fun driving experience. Tesla has invested significantly in audio technology, drawing expertise from high-end audio brands like Bang & Olufsen.

The company’s dedication was highlighted in a Tesla-produced video showcasing the meticulous engineering behind its sound systems. The video emphasized the substantial size of the subwoofer in the Model Y and its integration into the vehicle's design, enhancing the overall audio experience without compromising space or aesthetics.

This RWD Model Y initially shared the same Premium Audio sound system as its Long Range and Performance counterparts, featuring 15 speakers, including two amplifiers and a subwoofer. This setup was somewhat unexpected since Tesla typically reserves high-end audio equipment for its upper-tier models. The subsequent reduction of speakers to 14 in late 2021, with the removal of the center instrument panel speaker, was considered an imperceptible change by Tesla. However, the newest adjustment is more substantial.

Other Models Impacted?

One can only assume the Model 3 will get the same treatment. However, the refreshed Model 3 is starting to show up in North America. Its upgraded stereo system has been well documented. Reducing this incredible system in entry-level RWD Model 3 would be a shame.

Interestingly, this update is specific to North America's Model Y RWD versions. The European Model Y RWD, manufactured at Giga Shanghai or Giga Berlin, retains the Premium Audio sound system. The LR and Performance variants of the Model Y continue to be equipped with the original 13-speaker system, including a subwoofer and dual amplifiers.

Tesla has not specified which seven speakers remain in the Model Y RWD's revised audio setup. With the change only recently added to the website, it may take some time before the first deliveries of the Model Y with the updated sound system occur, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the new audio quality.

Tesla's decision to modify the Model Y RWD's audio system aligns with its strategy of varying features across different models, and it stands in contrast to its well-established commitment to exceptional sound quality. This development is particularly intriguing given the company's reputation for creating vehicles that deliver an exceptional and fun driving experience, of which the audio system has been a significant component.

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Tesla FSD in Europe: June Update

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The road to bringing FSD to Europe has been a long and complex one and filled with regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles. Elon Musk, as well as other members of Tesla’s AI team, have previously voiced their grievances with the regulatory approval process on X.

However, it appears that there is finally some progress in getting things moving with recent changes to upcoming autonomy regulations, but the process still seems slow.

Waiting on the Dutch

Elon commented on X recently, stating that Tesla is waiting for approval from Dutch authorities and then the EU to start rolling out FSD in Europe. Tesla is focusing on acquiring approvals from the Dutch transportation authority, which will provide them with the platform they need to gain broader acceptance in Europe. Outside of the Netherlands, Tesla is also conducting testing in Norway, which provides a couple of avenues for them to obtain national-level approval.

The frustration has been ongoing, with multiple committee meetings bringing up autonomy regulation but always pulling back at the last second before approving anything. The last meeting on Regulation 157, which governs Automated Lane Keeping Systems, concluded with authorities from the UK and Spain requesting additional time to analyze the data before reaching a conclusion.

Tesla, as well as Elon, have motioned several times for owners to reach out to their elected representatives to move the process forward, as it seems that Tesla’s own efforts are being stymied. 

This can seem odd, especially since Tesla has previously demoed FSD working exceptionally smoothly on European roads - and just did it again in Rome when they shared the video below on X.

FSD Supervised testing in Rome, Italy

Pending regulatory approval pic.twitter.com/TXh3uQIfrx

— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) June 12, 2025

DCAS Phase 3

While the approval process has been slow, Kees Roelandschap pointed out that there may be a different regulatory step that could allow FSD to gain a foothold in Europe.

According to Kees, the European Commission is now taking a new approach to approving ADAS systems under the new DCAS Phase 3 regulations. The Commission is now seeking data from systems currently operational in the United States that can perform System-Initiated Maneuvers and don’t require hands-on intervention for every request.

This is key because those are two of the core functionalities that make FSD so usable, and it also means that there may not be a need to wait years for proper regulations to be written from scratch. Now, the Commission will be looking at real-world data based on existing, deployed technology, which could speed up the process immensely.

What This Means

This new, data-driven regulatory approach could be the path for Tesla to reach its previous target of September for European FSD. While the cogs of bureaucracy are ever slow, sometimes all it takes is a little data to have them turn a bit faster in this case.

Alongside specific countries granting approval for limited field testing with employees, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for FSD in Europe, and hopes are that a release will occur by the end of 2025. With Europe now looking to North America for how FSD is performing, Tesla’s Robotaxi results could also play a role.

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

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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.

Announcing the TeslaVision fan video showcase

Tesla owners & supporters have always been able to see our products & mission for what they truly are.

Your word of mouth has made Tesla what it is today.

The OGs will remember that in 2017, we held our first video contest. 8 years… pic.twitter.com/6pPpkqmqOH

— Tesla (@Tesla) June 10, 2025

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.

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