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

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

Tesla Holiday Update Wishlist - Tesla App Edition

By Karan Singh
@niccruzpatane

So, with Halloween all squared away, the next big holiday coming up is Christmas. Each year, Tesla releases a big Holiday update packed with features. Last year’s update included some awesome features, including alternate routes, the Vision upgrade for Park Assist, Speed Cameras and Traffic Light icons, and the Automatic Blind Spot indicator, among others.

We already know that update 2024.44 - the Holiday Update Branch - is coming with Blind Spot Monitoring while Parked, Supercharger Improvements, and more. But, we’ve got a ton of good ideas that we hope will make the list, so put down your pumpkin spice, and grab your egg nog. It’s the holidays, and it’ll be Cybertruck’s first Christmas, so let’s celebrate!

Apple Watch App

First up—the Apple Watch app. This has been a highly requested feature over the past couple of years, and it looks like Tesla is listening. Tesla has apparently already begun development to support the Apple Watch in app update 4.38, so we’re expecting this to arrive as part of the big Holiday update. We’d love to see an equivalent app for Android-based watches, too.

Phone Left on Charger Alert

It’s easy to forget your phone inside of the vehicle, especially if it’s on the phone dock. A simple app alert that a phone has been left in the vehicle would be really useful. Tesla could potentially even tell the difference between a driver’s phone and a passenger’s phone, depending on the vehicle’s profile being used or which doors were open and closed.

Either way, just receiving an app notification if a phone is left in the car would be really useful, especially since your phone is your car key.

Light Show Support

Tesla Lightshows are great, but they could be made even better with Tesla app support. At the very least, it’d be great to be able to start/schedule or stop a light show from the app.

To really make light shows shine, Tesla could add the ability to create a light show directly from the app. Right now creating a light show involves using the open-source app xLights on a computer, so a simplified version of it running in the app would make it accessible to a lot more users.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Perform a synchronized light show with multiple Tesla vehicles…and a new song 🎶<br><br>Rolling out now in this year’s holiday update <a href="https://t.co/XqBUy5GxhN">pic.twitter.com/XqBUy5GxhN</a></p>— Tesla (@Tesla) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1737904802820919387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Precondition Battery Button

Similar to an in-vehicle preconditioning button for 3rd party chargers, the Tesla App should also have a button to precondition the battery. This will make it easy for users, especially those who don’t have home charging – to get their vehicles ready for DC Fast Charging before departing.

Garage Door Controls

Tesla owners with HomeLink can control their garage doors directly from the vehicle. However, the Tesla app currently only allows users to open the first programmed garage door and doesn’t give the user access to any of the other programmed doors. Adding the option to choose which garage door to open via the HomeLink button would be a valuable addition—especially useful when paired with Actually Smart Summon.

Drive Stats

While Tesla already records and displays charging sessions in the app’s Charge Stats section, it’d be really helpful if Tesla also added the ability to record drives. That way, you could easily track how much your vehicle was driven on a particular day, week, or over the course of the year.

If you have any other suggestions, let us know in our forums. Who knows, some Tesla product managers may even be listening.

Tesla Adds Interest-Free Payment Plan to Tesla Shop - FSD Payment Plan Next?

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has added payment plan options to its shop items for the first time. They’ve partnered with Klarna, a deferred payment provider, to spread the cost of items across multiple payments. For now, this appears to be limited to the Tesla Shop in the United States—no support for other regions quite yet.

Payment Options

Klarna’s primary payment option allows buyers to get 0% APR for 6 weeks, with 4 payments. The payment schedule is essentially one payment every two weeks for whichever product you buy - enabling you to buy now, and pay later with 0% financing.

For example, the payment schedule for the $420 Wall Connector is evenly divided into four portions. Of course, you’d also have to pay for shipping and taxes, both of which will be included in your first payment.

Payment 1

Payment 2

Payment 3

Payment 4

Amount

$105

$105

$105

$105

Payment Due

Day of Purchase

Week 2

Week 4

Week 6

For some of Tesla’s more expensive Shop options - like the Cybertent, this could be a fantastic means for some owners to pick up something more expensive without having to worry about interest charges on their credit card.

Klarna also offers some other payment schedules, which do have interest. While these are far more expensive and are more like credit cards, they still provide buyers a means to buy now and pay over time. These are all open loans as well, so you can pay them down at a faster rate, thereby reducing the overall interest.

Payment Schedule

Payment Rate

Interest Rate

6 Weeks

Biweekly

0%

6 Months

Monthly

7.99% to 33.99%

12 Months

Monthly

7.99% to 33.99%

FSD Payment Options?

We’d love to see an equivalent payment option available for Tesla’s FSD purchase, which is currently $8,000, even if it's bought after the vehicle purchase. The high upfront cost is likely one reason why Tesla’s FSD subscription is so popular.

It’s likely that purchasing FSD is much more popular at the time of vehicle purchase, as owners can roll the cost of FSD into their financing rather than paying the full $8,000 later on.

IPO Filing

Interestingly enough, along with today’s news that Klarna is working with Tesla, Klarna has also filed for an IPO in the United States. It is one of the first financial tech (FinTech) companies to file for an IPO in 2025 and, interestingly, one of the first European companies to conduct an IPO in the United States.

For those who trade in the financial sector, this will be one to watch—Klarna was valued at around $46 billion in 2021 and is now valued at approximately $15 billion. Partnering with a large and well-known brand like Tesla could uplift Klarna, but that’s all financial speculation.

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