Model S

First look at Tesla’s latest Autopilot 2.0 ‘smooth as silk’ update [Video]

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Tesla Model S owner James Hansbert has published a video demonstrating Tesla’s latest Autopilot 2.0 firmware update that includes a new control algorithm, said to make the vehicle feel ‘as smooth as silk’ according to CEO Elon Musk. Hansbert is one of the early few to receive the over-the-air update of firmware version 8.1 (17.22.46). Tesla will issue a wide release of the firmware to all hardware 2 equipped Model S and Model X next weekend.

Hansbert’s driving video reveals that while the new firmware does improve Autopilot performance in certain areas like tracking a lane through an intersection, it also comes up lacking in areas where older firmware versions had performed well. Specifically, the latest v8.1 (17.22.46) missed detection of a center island that previous firmware versions had spotted, notes Hansbert.

Hansbert commented on several specific areas of Autopilot 2.0 under the latest firmware.

  • Better tracking of lanes through intersections where lane lines are missing
  • Performance in heavy rain is still superb
  • Smooth slowing when approaching stopped traffic
  • AP steered the vehicle into a left turn lane when it should have gone straight with the lane

In addition to the commentary and demonstration of the new Autopilot driving-assist algorithm, Hansbert put the firmware’s Autopark parallel parking and newly introduced perpendicular parking feature to use. He notes in the video that Autopark parallel parking on the street failed to detect the open spots in the first four attempts, but would eventually detect the open spot and successfully park itself.

Hansbert notes that the new perpendicular parking feature worked well even in a tight lot. His Model S backed into a spot on its second attempt, then pulled forward to straighten the vehicle before parking perfectly between the parking lines.

Not related to Autopilot, the latest firmware update also included a noticeable improvement to the performance of the center touchscreen’s Auto Brightness feature. The screen is now much more responsive to changes in light. Check out the release notes for v8.1 (17.22.46) to see a comprehensive list of what went into the latest update. Musk tweeted that a new kernel and browser update will follow in another over-the-air update due to arrive in roughly six weeks.

First look at Tesla’s latest Autopilot 2.0 ‘smooth as silk’ update [Video]
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     0 likes  1 year ago
The tweets cited are ancient. Current tweets say new kernel in a week and browser next month, I believe.
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     0 likes  1 year ago
You must take your eyes off the road too long to glance over to a center screen to make frequent speed checks. You won't be driving with auto pilot in the city which I don't trust maps speed limits which change frequently due to road construction, etc. If your Tesla has you going 40 mph in a 25 mph limit due to construction you think Tesla is going to pay for your speeding ticket which is doubled? I hate centered only consoles which is why I sold my Prius. Dangerous to take the eyes off the road that often for that long for such an angled sightline. If this weren't true then why does the S and X have a center consoler? It's just a cheap way to save money at the expensive of lives--and your pocketbook and possibly your right to even drive (points total 12 bye bye license).
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     0 likes  1 year ago
Has anyone else actually received the over the air update? My car is still on the prior version and I have Enhanced 2.0 on 2017 ms.
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     0 likes  1 year ago
The owners manual says that the car must "calibrate" before it can auto-park and that this calibration can take from "30 minutes to a few days." Is it possible that this trouble with parking occurred because the firmware upgrade caused the "calibration" to start over? Mr. Handsbert tells us that the new firmware allowed automatic parallel parking on the fifth attempt but unfortunately does not tell us if that resolved the problem or it persisted.
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