Tesla's FSD version 12.3 is doing no takeover or intervention drives over and over again in the most impressive version yet for FSD (by Whole Mars and The Kilowatts). This version is ready for wide-release as an ADAS (driver assist).
Impressive Tesla FSD Version 12.3
After watching a video of Tesla FSD Version 12.3 in action, I'm convinced that it's ready for prime time and wide release. Not for robotaxis, but as a driver assist software. I think robotaxis are not too far behind.
Summary of Key Highlights:
- Initial Impressions: Starting the journey with enthusiasm for a test drive to Burnal Heights Park.
- Driving Dynamics: Observations on the refined acceleration and braking behaviors that mimic human driving.
- In-Car Experience Adjustments: Tweaks to the phone's orientation to capture the FSD experience effectively.
- Close Encounters: Moments of apprehension as FSD navigates near curbs, showcasing its advanced spatial awareness.
- Complex Maneuvers Mastered: Successful navigation through intricate merges and lane changes.
- Urban Navigation: Smooth handling of a left turn onto Alabama Street and cautious stops at yellow lights.
- Highway Performance: Impressive capability in merging onto highways and dealing with challenging lane lines.
- Parking Precision: FSD's ability to park the vehicle with notable proximity to curbs.
- Revisiting Challenges: A second smooth left turn onto Alabama Street and adept handling of a stop sign on a steep incline.
- Overall Impressions: Admiration for the smoothness and advanced performance of FSD Beta 12.3.
Initial Thrills and the Drive Dynamics
Whole Mars and Ryan, from The Kilowatts, began the journey with FSD Beta 12.3 begins with a spirited suggestion to head to Burnal Heights Park, setting the tone for an engaging test drive.
Early on, the driver shares insights into the system's acceleration and braking, noting a level of smoothness that closely resembles natural human driving.
This human-like behavior is a testament to Tesla's advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, aimed at making autonomous driving as intuitive and comfortable as possible.
Whole Mars Is Ready To Buy More Tesla Stock
As the car begins its driving and shows how smooth it is, and then making a very human-like and aggressive lane change, Whole Mars says he needs to buy more Tesla stock.
Mastery Over Complex Maneuvers
As the test drive progresses, FSD Beta 12.3 demonstrates its prowess in handling complex driving scenarios.
From navigating tight merges to executing precise lane changes, the system's improved algorithms shine, offering a glimpse into the future where such maneuvers are handled effortlessly by our vehicles.
Urban Navigation and Highway Acumen
Navigating city streets and urban environments presents a unique set of challenges for autonomous driving systems. FSD Beta 12.3 rises to the occasion, smoothly handling turns and stops, and showing a cautious yet confident approach to yellow lights—a clear indicator of Tesla's emphasis on safety.
On the highway, FSD Beta 12.3's performance, though not part of the new feature set, remains commendable. The system's ability to merge with traffic, maintain lane discipline, and handle complex road patterns underscores Tesla's commitment to providing a seamless driving experience, regardless of the environment.
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Parking Prowess and Overcoming Obstacles
A noteworthy feature of FSD Beta 12.3 is its parking capability, demonstrated as it skillfully parks the car at the destination. While the system shows competence in parking maneuvers, there's room for improvement, especially in maintaining a safe distance from curbs and obstacles.
The test drive also revisits challenging scenarios, such as making a left turn onto Alabama Street and navigating a stop sign on a steep hill. In each instance, FSD Beta 12.3 showcases its learning and adaptation, handling these situations with improved grace and efficiency.
The car also handled construction cones that blocked off the lane it was in - and it merged with the traffic in the lane to the right, just as a human did.
This is all with cameras and software on a car today!
There was only one takeover - at the very end of everything, where the car didn't quite see an island on the road in a very unusual setup.
Final Thoughts
Tesla's FSD Beta 12.3 leaves a lasting impression with its smooth, human-like driving behavior and enhanced capability in managing complex driving situations. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in curb avoidance, pothole navigation, and parking, the overall performance of FSD Beta 12.3 is a promising step toward the future of autonomous driving.
As Tesla continues to refine and improve its Full Self-Driving technology, the dream of a fully autonomous, safe, and efficient driving experience draws ever closer. FSD Beta 12.3 not only demonstrates Tesla's current capabilities but also ignites the imagination of what's yet to come in the evolution of autonomous vehicles.
Also, speed bumps are handled perfectly.
At the end, an intervention happened, and that needs to be fixed. Potholes and sewer lids also need to be navigated around. But, other than this, there didn't appear to be much to work on. We could be closer to robotaxis - much closer than people think.
For Further Reading: Tesla's FSD Version 12 Seems To Have a Human Brain
What do you think about this Tesla FSD version 12.3 drive from Whole Mars and Ryan from The Kilowatts?
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Hi! I'm Jeremy Noel Johnson, and I am a Tesla investor and supporter and own a 2022 Model 3 RWD EV and I don't have range anxiety :). I enjoy bringing you breaking Tesla news as well as anything about Tesla or other EV companies I can find, like Aptera. Other interests of mine are AI, Tesla Energy and the Tesla Bot! You can follow me on X.COM or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow my Tesla and EV news coverage.
Image Credit & Article Reference: Whole Mars Blog
Wish I could share the…
Wish I could share the enthusiasm. Drove about 30 miles today testing 12.3, and wish I could go back to 11. I had to have foot on the accelerator 90% of the time because it would not speed up to the MAX figure on the display (set to be 15% above the speed limit). Instead it crawled along 5-10mph below the speed limit and I was collecting a line of vehicles behind me. Ridiculous.
Thanks for your feedback on…
Thanks for your feedback on the new Tesla FSD 12.3 Tony. Can you please elaborate more to give us more context?
Certainly. I set a speed…
Certainly. I set a speed limit plus 15% as my max speed, and do not use the Auto Speed limit feature. Normally, V11, the car would drive at the appropriate MAX speed. I could modify the speed it calculated from the Speed limit using the right scroll wheel. V12 does not get up to the MAX, and does not hold at any speed but wanders around 5-10mph below the desired MAX. I have to keep my foot on the accelerator and adjust the speed constantly, or I am a menace on the road. I tried the Auto Speed setting and it worked much better, however it gives me no flexibility to raise or lower the speed it sets, which I want to do at times. I have been surprised to get comments from people saying they do not get the slow speed driving, I suspect they are using the Auto Speed setting.
I would happily bet the…
I would happily bet the house on the fact that a "FSD" car will never be able to negotiate a Westcountry lane on a rainy windy night.
When it comes to lawsuits he might say just he didn't understand, (and sacked all the engineers who told him the truth) but will that wash when any number of people can show that he just ignored the science.