The blog post today is very clear and supports what Elon stated last night... "Every single Model S now rolling out of the factory includes a forward radar, 12 long range ultrasonic sensors positioned to sense 16 feet around the car in every direction at all speeds, a forward looking camera, and a high precision, digitally controlled electric assist braking system." Dual Motor Model S and Autopilot | Blog | Tesla Motors :biggrin: The blog continues... "The introduction of this hardware is just the first step for Autopilot in Model S. We will continue to develop new capabilities and deliver them through over-the-air software updates, keeping our customers at the forefront of driving technology." ... more is to come. ALSO - this next segment explains WHY my car came with all this other stuff... "Our commitment to continuous improvement extends to other features of Model S, and we have recently made several updates to the car, including: Seat comfort improvements and taller headrests for whiplash protection Improvements for a quieter cabin Wider rear door opening Increased visor size and larger vanity mirror Parcel shelf and front trunk cargo net now standard Air ionizer and carbon filter for cabin air purity Updated steering column Updates to Alcantara interior trim, such as wrapped roof bow and top pad"
Also, the charge port will now close automatically... but why only on Dual Motor vehicles? (as specified on the blog) Seems like an odd difference?
Again I'll reiterate what my DS just told me (twice). All Model Ss have the safety assist features (lane departure and speed assist). If you want Autopilot you need to reorder with the new tech package. Don't shoot the messenger, I'm just providing the forum with the information I was given. Do with it what you will...
i ordered the tech and parking sensors which is the same price as the new tech package. Did he/she say whether delivery dates would be impacted if you reorder with the new tech? It's just software, all the hardware is still there.
Elon said at the announcement that all cars built in the last two weeks have the hardware to support autopilot and that the features will be rolled out via over the air software updates. That sounds pretty clear to me.
Yup, that's he said. I emailed my DS anyway just to be sure. I feel that autopilot is a big enough feature and I'm willing to possibly delay my delivery to ensure that I get it. I mean all the hardware is there, so I don't think there is a valid reason for a delay other than changing some software.
Did anyone happen to notice how the TM employees were engaging the Autopilot software during the test drive demonstrations?
I can't seem to find the official "autopilot" thread. Are people actually driving around with it yet? Or is it pending some SW release?
During our test drive in Santa Fe last weekend the car was reading the speed limit sign and displaying them on the driver console. It may have had ACC but we didn't try it. The rep said all the sensors are there. Just needs software.
For those car made between 9/20-10/9, with Tech package, will autopilot be included when they roll out the software? Mine has the hardware installed. Will I have to pay additional to upgrade to an "autopilot pkg"?
So after all this Autopilot discussion here's the summary: Cars built without sensors: You're out of luck (very expensive, if it's even possible at all, to retrofit). Cars built with sensors but with the old Tech Package: You'll have all the necessary equipment for the Autopilot but you'll have to pay a fee to activate it ($500) in the future via software updates. Cars built with sensors and the new Tech Package: You're ready to go! Just wait for the software updates.
I notice that Tesla has once again reduced the number of hardware option variations, probably to simplify the production line. Sensible. Their attempts to make people pay for flipping a switch in software... um, they're gonna get nailed for that sooner or later. You simply can't do that any more, it just creates an aftermarket for flipping the switch. Maybe after they lose the lawsuit they're facing for copyright infringement they'll start understanding the nature of the software industry better.
Any word on those who have the sensors, old tech package, AND paid for parking sensors (which come in tech package now)... if they will make it a wash and give you the $500 upgrade for free? Or did an additional $500 get added to the cost of the tech package when parking sensors was added in?
Why can't they charge for activating the software? That's very common. Do you have a link to any reference to this lawsuit you mention. I can only find the one in China where a person who registered "Tesla" is suing Tesla but that doesn't seem to be the one you're referring to.