Issue 311 - FSD accounts for pedestrian hand gestures

FSD Supervised

FSD now accounts for pedestrian hand gestures 📹
In the latest FSD update (12.3.3), the car seems to be recognizing hand gestures from pedestrians and taking them into account in its driving. This is cool!

FSD V12 demonstrates skillful unprotected left turns 📹
FSD V12.3 has significantly advanced Tesla's capabilities by expertly managing one of LA's traffic challenges: unprotected left turns across multiple lanes with oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

FSD V12.3 beta experience as an infrequent user
A mid-range Model 3 owner shares their experience with FSD V12.3 beta, noting a substantial upgrade in autopilot functionality with smoother and more human-like driving, especially on sharp turns. However, they point out that the FSD's handling of stop signs remains hesitant and cautious, with the system often stopping prematurely. Despite these quirks, their 'unscientific guess' feels the car is 93% ready for its 'Supervised Driving Assistant' role.

Legacy Model S and X to get FSD V12 after validation
Tesla's AI team is diligently working to validate Full Self-Driving (FSD) V12 for approximately 3% of Model S and X vehicles with unique hardware configurations. Legacy Model S and X owners can anticipate receiving the advanced FSD features once a thorough safety validation cycle is complete, this is great news for some long time owners.

Model 3

Model 3 Ludicrous shown off in Malibu 📷
Malibu's Tesla showroom hosted a private event showcasing the new Model 3 with Ludicrous Mode, the new Model 3 Performance variant, the rumor is that it will do 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds. Alongside the quick M3, Franz's Cybertruck (CT) made an appearance too.

Cybertruck

Tesla Cybertruck Review: Already Iconic? 📹
The Tesla Cybertruck, reviewed after a month and over 1,500 miles, polarizes onlookers with its looks but proves to be a conversation starter and surprisingly misunderstood in terms of cost. The video discusses the Cybertruck's agility thanks to the steer-by-wire and four-wheel steering system, its extreme durability with bulletproof stainless steel, and the performance that includes a 10.9-second quarter-mile time. The review also points out some early manufacturing issues and the utility (or lack thereof) for typical truck tasks, mentioning that for many, the Cybertruck will be used more like an SUV than for heavy-duty trucking.

Munro Live dissects Tesla Cybertruck's battery pack 📹
The Monroe Live YouTube channel takes us through the process of removing the battery pack from the Tesla Cybertruck, highlighting its efficiency and innovation. The episode details the steps and precautions of disconnecting bolts and high-voltage cables, emphasizing the structural and assembly advancements. Innovative features like the B-pack lifter and the ease of integrating the battery pack into the vehicle's design show Tesla's ongoing commitment to cutting-edge engineering.

Referral program

Tesla updates referral program rewards
Tesla's referral program has seen some significant changes, with a reduction in credits earned per referral—from 10,000 to 7,500—and the elimination of the free 1-year Premium Connectivity subscription. While buyers can still earn a 3-month trial of FSD using a referral code, the credit requirements for redeeming awards like the Factory Tour or Wall Connector have not been lowered, remaining at 10,000 and 9,000 credits respectively.

Matrix Headlights

Tesla Adaptive Matrix Headlights 📹
A German owner of a Tesla Model 3 and software update version 2024.8.4 decided to put the adaptive matrix headlight to the test on the Autoban, the result, a resounding success, with high beams on for almost two hours without causing inconvenience to other drivers.

LED Matrix Headlights Retro-Fit Possible for Older Teslas?
Following the rave reviews of the OTA update that introduced this feature, the hacking community suggests that retrofitting older models is indeed feasible with new headlight assemblies and some software tweaks. No specific steps or instructions are in the article, but I'm sure some owners of older Teslas would be excited about it.

🤓 What the acronym
As a Tesla fan, I find myself sometimes having to remember what are all those acronyms, here is a list of the ones you can find in this issue.

FSD: Full Self-Driving
OTA: Over-the-air software update

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