Tesla to Remove Steering Wheel Nag This Month

Tesla to Remove Steering Wheel Nag in January 2023

MKBHD/Twitter

Elon Musk confirmed that Tesla vehicles will no longer require the driver to apply force to the wheel while using FSD Beta. All Teslas currently require drivers to apply resistance to the wheel at certain intervals to confirm attentiveness. However, with the addition of the cabin camera in 2017, this requirement may soon go away.

Elon confirmed the change in response to a tweet from @WholeMarsBlog, who asked if users with more than 10,000 miles driven using FSD Beta software, could have the option to disable the tedious steering wheel nag.

Elon replied, "Agreed, update coming in Jan."

While using Autopilot, drivers are alerted to put their hands on the wheel after 30 to 70 seconds of not applying torque to the wheel. The amount of time varies depending on situations and models. If a driver fails to apply force after being alerted, Autopilot could be suspended for the remainder of the drive, or access to FSD Beta could be removed.

FSD Beta allows drivers to get up to five strikes before Tesla disables the feature for an extended period. For vehicles without a cabin camera, the number of strikes is limited to three.

Possibilities

It's still unclear what Elon meant by agreeing to the 'option to turn off steering wheel nag.' Tesla may be able to more accurately gauge hand tension in an upcoming update, or they may switch to using the vehicle's cabin camera. While many are expecting the use of the cabin camera to replace detecting tension on the steering wheel, Tesla may have simply improved the ability to detect hand tension. Tesla recently added the ability to detect defeat devices, so it's obvious they're making some improvements in that area.

If Tesla transitions to only using the cabin camera, this change would leave out Model S and Model X vehicles manufactured before 2021, since they don't contain a camera inside the vehicle.

If the nag is ultimately removed, this is a huge step forward for Autopilot and FSD Beta use, as it would truly offer a hands-free experience.

Since Autopilot was first introduced in 2014, it has relied on the application of force as a sign of driver attentiveness. Removing the nag would be a huge step forward for FSD Beta and the level of autonomy that self-driving Teslas can have.

420 Anyone? Tesla's New Release is the Most Powerful Model 3 Ever

Courtesy of @BooDev/X.com

The latest Tesla Model 3, the fastest yet, is poised to make a significant impact on Tesla's lineup. Speculation suggests the updated Performance Model 3, potentially named "Ludicrous," could be unveiled soon—possibly on April 20. This would, of course, be on 420, aligning with Elon Musk's fondness for the date, which falls 69 days before his birthday—nice.

Revamped Performance and Engineering

"Welcome to the Most Powerful Model 3 Ever," announces the Great Britain Model 3 configurator source code teaser, setting the stage for an electric sedan that surpasses its predecessors in every metric. The heart of the new Model 3 Performance lies in its all-new high-performance drive units, rumored to deliver a combined output of over 500 horsepower. This power upgrade is not just about higher numbers but also about how it translates to the asphalt.

TONS of new Model 3 Performance details were revealed in the Great Britain Model 3 configurator source code. “Welcome to the Most Powerful Model 3 Ever”

All-New Adaptive Suspension
Adaptive damping powered by in-house software gives you enhanced body control, without sacrificing… pic.twitter.com/cem4TDV80w

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) April 17, 2024

Tesla has reengineered the vehicle with an all-new adaptive suspension system. This system, powered by bespoke in-house software, ensures enhanced body control, maintaining comfort without sacrificing performance. The result is a vehicle that can handle daily commuting as smoothly as it navigates tight corners on a race track.

Advanced Design and Aerodynamics

The Model 3 Performance features redesigned front and rear fascias and a rear diffuser that enhances visual appeal and improves high-speed stability. A carbon fiber spoiler adds to the aerodynamic efficiency while asserting the car’s sporty aesthetics.

One of the standout features of the new model is the Forged Performance wheels. These lightweight, staggered wheels are not just about style; they enhance the vehicle’s turn-in response, improve predictability, and increase traction out of corners, all while optimizing aerodynamics.

Where Comfort Meets Performance

Inside, the Tesla Model 3 Performance introduces a completely revamped interior. The all-new seat design includes enhanced side and cushion bolsters to hold occupants securely in place, which is crucial during high-speed maneuvers. Ventilation is built into the seats to keep the driver and passengers cool and comfortable, reflecting a thoughtful balance between performance and luxury. The cabin's aesthetic is elevated with lightweight carbon fiber décor and a refined weave pattern unique to the Model 3 Performance.

Performance Interior (New Model 3 Performance)

All-new seat design with enhanced side and cushion bolsters hold you in place, while ventilation keeps you cool. The lightweight carbon fibre décor and refined weave pattern is unique to Model 3 Performance. pic.twitter.com/1R0UhERmHB

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) April 18, 2024

A significant highlight is the Track Mode V3, an innovative feature that allows drivers to tailor the handling balance, stability controls, and regenerative braking to their preferences. This mode integrates a performance-optimized powertrain with adaptive suspension controls, creating a driving experience that is not only responsive but also enjoyable.

The unveiling of the Model 3 Performance is imminent, as indicated by its addition to the configurator source code. There is speculation about a media embargo lifting on the 23rd, possibly coinciding with Tesla’s earnings day, which could provide further details or even see the official launch. My money is on 4/20, which will give a weekend for all influencers who got an early look to ramp up the views and bring that stock (down 40% year to date) some time to rebound before the earnings call.

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First Look at Tesla's V12 User Interface, Full Screen Visualizations and New Media Player [Updated: Photos and Video]

EFIEBER_ANDRE

Tesla's latest V12 user interface will change the look and feel of some of the vehicle’s operations. This new interface, announced on X, is already partially available on the Cybertruck but will now be rolled out to the Model 3 and Model Y, equipped with AMD Ryzen processors according to Tesla. However, the new Model S and Model X will likely receive it as well, although possibly not at the same time. It integrates several new features and aesthetics that set new standards in vehicle interface design.

The new interface will become available in Tesla update 2024.14, which started rolling out to employees yesterday.

New Parked Vehicle Visualization

A standout feature of the v12 UI update, not to be confused with FSD v12, is the centralized vehicle visualization, which dominates the display while parked (video below). This design choice enhances visual appeal and improves functionality by placing critical vehicle performance metrics, and status updates front and center. Similar to the layout in the Cybertruck, this feature provides drivers with a clear and immediate view of their vehicle's status and shows off the gorgeous 3D model.

V12 Ansicht (Frühlingsupdate)
👉Kein Autopilot, EAP, FSD aktiv.
👉Bremslichter werden angezeigt.
👉Blinken wird angezeigt.
👉Geile Darstellung
❤️Danke liebes Tesla Team pic.twitter.com/lmzTjKIq1x

— EFIEBER (@EFIEBER_ANDRE) April 18, 2024

New Media Player

There’s a new media player that’s larger and easier to use. By increasing the size of the media player, Tesla is now able to fit additional options that were hidden before, such as EQ and audio settings, the search icon and shuffle and repeat options.

The new media player appears while the vehicle is parked, driving or while the visualizations are in full-screen mode.

The media player is available on the Model 3 and Model Y and according to Tesla it’ll be limited to vehicles with the Ryzen-based infotainment center.

Tesla adds a new media player in update 2024.14

Improved Navigation

The navigation system will see several improvements. You’ll now see a little trip progress bar that lets you visually see how far along you are on your route.

If your vehicle has a rear screen, as in the new Model 3, the redesigned Model S or Model X, then trip information such as ETA will also be displayed on the rear screen.

Tesla already has the ability to update your route if a faster route becomes available. You can change some of these settings under Controls > Navigate. However, now the vehicle will show you if a faster route becomes available and gives you a chance to cancel the updated route if needed.

Expanded Autopilot Visualizations

Tesla is now bringing its full-screen visualizations outside of North America. However, there will be some improvements as well. In addition to being able to have the visualizations go full screen, there will now be a small map displayed in the corner as well.

That’s one of the issues with the full-screen FSD visualizations right now. If you make them full-screen, you lose your navigation map completely and only have the next turn available.

This will be the first time full-screen visualizations are available outside North America. It’s not clear whether all the FSD visualizations will be available such as traffic lights, curbs and more will be displayed, but Tesla has slowly been adding additional visualizations for non-FSD users, so there’s a chance that this feature will finally display all FSD visualizations to users outside of North America.

It’s not immediately clear whether this feature will require Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) or FSD.

Update: The full-screen visualizations do not require FSD or EAP, but unfortunately the visualizations displayed are still the same ones as in previous updates, so it won’t display the surrounding environment and curbs.

Full-Screen Browser Support

With this update, Tesla will finally let you manually make the browser full-screen. While this will make Tesla’s Theater apps a little redundant since they just loaded the website of the selected streaming service, you’ll now be able to stream any video service full screen, as long as the service supports Tesla’s browser.

As expected, the full-screen button will only be available while the vehicle is parked.

Checking Compatibility

Owners can verify their vehicle’s compatibility with the new full-screen visualizations while parked and driving by navigating to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Info on their Tesla’s touchscreen. This update is tailored for Tesla vehicles equipped with the AMD Ryzen processor.

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