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Tesla Model S/X gets updated MCU for faster, more responsive touchscreen display
Tesla is reportedly using an improved MCU on newer versions of the Model S and X, replacing the aging NVIDIA Tegra-3 chip on the flagship sedan and SUV with a more powerful x86_64 processor. As could be seen in a side-by-side video comparing the performance and speed of the old and new media control unit, the updated hardware provides a smoother, faster, and more responsive experience on the Model S and X’s touchscreen.
The speed and fluidity, or lack thereof, of the Model S and X’s MCU has been a pain point for Tesla owners for a while, considering that the vehicles were equipped with 2011-era NVIDIA Tegra-3 chips. The shortcomings on the Model S and X’s interface became even more prominent when Tesla began switching from NVIDIA to Intel hardware to power its infotainment system, as evident on Model 3’s far more responsive touchscreen.
A Tesla spokesperson has confirmed with Teslarati that the company has recently introduced hardware changes to the onboard displays on the Model S and Model X. The update is part of the company’s overall initiative to introduce minor hardware changes and over-the-air software updates over time to continuously improve upon its vehicles. The latest update, unrelated to Autopilot, should not dramatically affect the user experience. Still, some new Tesla owners are reporting noticeable improvements in the browsing experience on the vehicle’s 17-inch touchscreen.
As could be seen in a recent collaboration video uploaded by YouTube’s My Tesla Adventure, the display of a recently-manufactured Model S seems to be on par with the speed and fluidity of the Model 3’s center touchscreen. In the side-by-side video, the Model S, which is equipped with an older Tegra-powered MCU, could be seen loading information a few seconds slower than the newer car. The touch panel on the newer Model S is also very vibrant, with the display featuring accurate color reproduction. A screenshot of the CPU information in the newer car also includes references to an x86_64 processor, something that is absent on older vehicles.
A screenshot of the MCU from a new Model S showing references to an X86_64 chip. [Credit: MaxKW/Reddit]
Apart from a smoother user experience, the Model S and X’s upgraded MCU also features a pleasant surprise — a usable web browser. As could be seen in a brief test by Model S owner and r/TeslaMotors member u/MaxKW, the browser on his Model S is actually usable. It’s still not on par with the speed of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, but the internet browser is already far more useful than the web explorer installed in older cars.
An enhanced browser for the Model S and X was teased by Elon Musk in a tweet back in December. As we noted in a previous report, Musk, who was responding to one of his followers on Twitter, admitted that the browser on the Model S and X was “terrible.” He did, however, assure his followers that major upgrades for the web explorer would be rolling out “in a few months.”
“Yeah, it’s terrible. Had to upgrade old Linux OS and a bunch of drivers first. Major browser upgrades coming to all cars in a few months. Note, will be slower at first until code is optimized.”
Watch the side-by-side comparison of the old and new MCU for the Model S and X in the video below.
Elon Musk has been pretty open about the idea of FSD being the difference maker for Tesla’s future.
If Tesla succeeds in achieving FSD, it could become the world’s most valuable company. If it doesn’t, then the company would not be able to reach its optimum potential.
FSD Supervised’s safety benefits:
- But even if FSD is still not perfect today, FSD Supervised is already making a difference on the roads today.
- This was highlighted in Tesla’s Q4 2024 Vehicle Safety Report.
- As per Tesla, it recorded one crash for every 5.94 million miles driven in which drivers were using Autopilot technology.
- For comparison, the most recent data available from the NHTSA and FHWA (from 2023) showed that there was one automobile crash every 702,000 miles in the United States.
This morning, Tesla FSD proved to be an absolute godsend. I had to take my brother-in-law to the hospital in Sugar Land, TX, which is 40 miles away, at the ungodly hour of 4 AM. Both of us were exhausted, and he was understandably anxious about the surgery.
— JC Christopher (@JohnChr08117285) January 29, 2025
The convenience of…
FSD user’s tale:
- As per an FSD user’s post on social media platform X, FSD Supervised was able to help him drive a relative to a medical facility safely even if he was exhausted.
- During the trip, the driver only had to monitor FSD Supervised’s performance to make sure the Tesla operated safely.
- In a vehicle without FSD, such a trip with an exhausted driver would have been quite dangerous.
- “This morning, Tesla FSD proved to be an absolute godsend. I had to take my brother-in-law to the hospital in Sugar Land, TX, which is 40 miles away, at the ungodly hour of 4 AM. Both of us were exhausted, and he was understandably anxious about the surgery.
- “The convenience of sending the hospital’s address directly from my iPhone to my Tesla while still inside my house, then just a single button press once inside, and 40 miles later we were precisely in front of the hospital’s admissions area.This experience really underscores just how transformative this technology can be for society,” Tesla owner JC Christopher noted in his post.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.
There are few things that prove an enthusiast’s love towards a company more than a dedicated short film. This was highlighted recently when YouTube’s SoKrispyMedia posted a 10-minute action movie starring Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot, as well as several of the company’s most iconic products.
The video:
- Shot like a Hollywood action flick, the video featured a rather humorous plot involving a group of thieves that mistakenly targeted a Tesla Model 3 driver.
- The Model 3 driver then ended up speaking to Tesla for assistance, and some high-octane and high-speed hijinks ensued.
- While the short film featured several Tesla products like the Model 3, Superchargers, and the Cybertruck, it is Optimus that truly stole the show.
- Optimus served several roles in the short film, from an assistant in a Tesla office to a “robocop” enforcer that helped out the Model 3 driver.
Future Robo-cop @Tesla_Optimus
— SOKRISPYMEDIA (@sokrispymedia) January 12, 2025
full video: https://t.co/TXpSRhcP5K pic.twitter.com/YFHZ7siAP7
Cool inside jokes:
- The best Tesla videos are those that show an in-depth knowledge of the company, and SoKrispyMedia definitely had it.
- From the opening scenes alone, the video immediately poked fun at TSLA traders, the large number of gray Tesla owners, and the fact that many still do not understand Superchargers.
- The video even poked fun at Tesla’s software updates, as well as how some Tesla drivers use Autopilot or other features without reading the fine print in the company’s release notes.
- The video ended with a tour de force of references to Elon Musk products, from the Tesla Cybertruck to the Boring Company Not-a-Flamethrower, which was released back in 2018.
Check out SoKrispyMedia’s Tesla action short film in the video below.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.
Tesla definitely seems to be determined to release the coolest lineup of accessories for its coolest vehicle. As could be seen in an update to the Tesla Shop, the electric vehicle maker has now launched a metal key card for the Cybertruck—because why not?
Cybertruck keys:
- The Cybertruck, similar to Tesla’s other vehicles, is shipped with a regular key card.
- The vehicle could also be accessed and locked through a phone key.
- As per the Cybertruck’s Owner’s Manual, the all-electric pickup truck is capable of supporting a total of 19 keys.
The Cybertruck’s Metal Key Card:
- Tesla’s Cybertruck Metal Key Card functions much like the vehicle’s regular key card, but it is finished using premium stainless steel
- As per Tesla’s description of the item:
- “Convenient, durable, versatile. The Cybertruck Metal Key Card is a premium stainless-steel alternative to our traditional plastic key cards, making it easy to access your Cybertruck without your Phone Key. Ideal for when your phone is unavailable or when sharing your vehicle with a friend or valet.”
- The Cybertruck Metal Key Card costs $60.
- In comparison, the Cybertruck’s regular key card is sold for $40.
- The Cybertruck Metal Key Card comes with the metal key card itself, as well as a bifold key card wallet.
Tesla Cybertruck merch push:
- Being the company’s most eye-catching vehicle, it is no surprise that that Tesla has been releasing quite a lot of merchandise inspired by the all-electric pickup truck.
- These include a $250 levitating Cybertruck model, as well as a $35 Cybertruck wind-up racer, both of which are out of stock.
- Tesla also sells the $35 “CyberMug,” a $40 “CyberStein,” and a $50 “CyberVessel.”
- Other Cybertruck-inspired merchandise are the $60 Cyberwhistle Stealth, and the $50 CyberOpener.
Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.
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