Sentient_Atoms
Member
I agree with Reddy - Plaid very likely to come first. Margin, also halo effect. "You get one chance to make a first impression."
I read delivery delays as Tesla needing more time to debug volume production. As mentioned above, there's a lot that's new with this refresh.
Tesla probably believed, correctly, that they could shake down problems during early production with Model 3 and Model Y. Different marketplace now - many credible competitors will be available this year. If the S & X aren't nearly perfect from the start, risk-averse buyers will likely prefer offerings from established auto companies, or startups that haven't shipped any products. No customers complaining about panel fit on hypothetical vehicles, are there?
Finally, wild speculation - could FSD beta have revealed data deficits that triggered sensory improvements in refreshed models? Sharper camera resolution (better speed and distance estimates) or better color rendition (better object and edge recognition)? Better radar (phantom suppression)? More units?
I believe they already realize they need better camera and radar resolution, however, they will do whatever is necessary to release 'Autoseet on City Streets' so that they technically fulfill the obligation to existing FSD customers before releasing any Autopilot hardware upgrades.