...the new mk4 option. I don't know what the difference/improvement is from mk3...
This is an interesting and important issue. First off, see this
Tesla Offer video:
As Raymond explains, eariler Model 3 cars apparently had two latch hooks (one longer, one shorter?) so if there was a small obstruction blocking the hood from closing completely, it would still partially latch (using the longer hook) and thus be prevented from flying open at speed. But at some point Tesla went to just a single latch hook (why?).
Per this
Tesla Offer (
TO) chart:
the Mark 4 upgrade was developed to address the way the
TO electric frunk-hood device reacts to an obstruction--something partially blocking full and complete closure of the frunk hood. In the newer Model 3 (and other model-years) it became necessary to specifically warn the driver (via the touch-screen) if the frunk was still open (and to prevent driving).
The current
TO recommendations for purchase of the two versions can be better understood using this chart (derived from 2/22/21
TO webpages):
Specific differences between device versions can be, I suppose, (a) mechanical (perhaps requiring a change in installation procedures), (b) electrical (including an upgraded control module), or software-related. We already know that control module firmware can be conveniently updated. So I assume that the difference between Mark 3.0 and Mark 4.0 is not
solely due to software. There must also be electronic and/or mechanical differences.
Be sure to
always check carefully with
TO webpage information--or contact
TO staff directly--before buying, as specifications and reasons to select one version over another may change.
I am still left wondering how
pre-refresh 2021 Models S and X should be treated. Do they fall into the 2020 (Mark 3.0) or 2021+ (Mark 4.0) categories? When I finally purchase a frunk-device I'll naturally want to get the most up-to-date product that is compatible with my car. Let's assume that
TO treats a 2021 pre-refresh vehicle as a 2020 car.
- Will Mark 4.0 both fit and function in a 2020 Model S or X? (If so, why bother with Mark 3.0?)
- Are the extra safety features of Mark 4.0 unnecessary/redundant in a 2020 car?
- Or is Mark 4.0 actually incompatible in some way with 2020 (and earlier) vehicles?
Anyone know the answers? I'll be checking with
TO if and when I ever receive a new 2021 pre-refresh Model X.
