Tesla is entering the final stretch before the official launch of its autonomous ride-hailing fleet, and the latest production units are revealing some major hardware changes. Recent sightings of a Cybercab on display in Austin have caught the attention of the community, specifically highlighting a new set of much larger front-facing cameras, ambient lighting along the doors, and more.
The images, shared by @DavidMoss on X, show a significantly beefed-up camera housing behind the windshield. This has sparked speculation online that Tesla might be testing a new Full Self-Driving (FSD) hardware package, potentially a precursor to AI5 (Hardware 5). While the next-generation AI5 computer isn't expected to enter mass production until mid-2027, these larger lenses suggest Tesla is upgrading its optical sensors to provide the higher fidelity required for a vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals.
If you look closely, you can see larger lenses and small separators between each front-facing camera.
New Hardware and Interior Refinements
The larger front cameras are just one part of a broader hardware evolution. Another production unit recently showcased at the USDOT Headquarters in Washington, D.C., revealed a massive cabin camera and, for the first time, an interior trunk camera. This new rear-facing sensor is likely designed to ensure passengers don't leave belongings behind once their autonomous ride ends.
Tesla has also refined the Cybercab’s interior for high-utilization durability. The carpeted storage trunk from the original concept has been swapped for a rugged, non-carpeted material. What’s more, the window control switches and USB-C connectivity ports appear to have been relocated under the massive 21-inch central touchscreen. As recently as with the unit seen at the USDOT headquarters earlier this week, the window control buttons were situated near the cupholders in the center console. The cabin is otherwise remarkably sparse, featuring only an emergency stop button above the screen that also has Braille on it.
Ambient Lighting
Inside, Tesla has added a touch of luxury that departs from its usual utilitarian minimalism: thin strips of ambient lighting, spotted in the doorframes. This light strip, which emits a soft blue glow in the latest sightings, provides both a futuristic aesthetic and functional illumination for passengers entering and exiting the vehicle at night — a small but critical detail for a ride-hailing service designed to operate 24/7.
Wheels
Beyond the upgraded camera suite and interior, production-ready Cybercab units are showing off several hardware refinements that lean into its "premium robotaxi" identity. Most notably, the vehicle appears to use a staggered wheel setup featuring larger and wider tires in the rear to handle the torque of its electric drivetrain. The front is equipped with 215/60R/18 tires, while the rear steps up to a beefier 225/60R/21 setup, all wrapped in Continental aContact rubber with sleek, full-disc aerodynamic hubcaps.
Built for a Driverless Future
The Cybercab is a purpose-built, two-seat electric vehicle designed to be the backbone of the Tesla Robotaxi network. Because it is supposed to rely entirely on camera-only software, Tesla has equipped the vehicle with a high-pressure washer system for every external camera. This ensures that the FSD hardware always has a clear view, even in rain or grime, without human intervention.
While early units were spotted at Giga Texas without traditional controls, Tesla has noted that some early production models might ship with steering wheels to satisfy regional regulations. However, the ultimate goal remains a purely wireless, steering wheel-less experience. Tesla recently received FCC approval for Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, which will power the vehicle's planned wireless induction charging system.
Production Timeline
Tesla is moving fast to pivot from a traditional automaker into an AI powerhouse. The first production Cybercab unit recently rolled off the line at Giga Texas, and mass production is officially slated to begin in April.
As the production target draws closer, these small but significant hardware tweaks show that Tesla is focused on the reliability of its "unsupervised" vision. The transition to a driverless society is no longer a future concept; for Tesla, the assembly lines will start moving in just a few weeks.
