Tesla has finally started rolling out software update 8.0 and with it comes a number of enhancements, including updated warnings for the autopilot system for all those pesky rebels that like to break the rules. That, along with a handful of other new or updated features makes update 8.0 a rather significant update and is available for all Model S’ purchased since 2012.

To start off, the car’s built-in media player has taken a huge redesign that helps to bring the content you prefer to the forefront. The search function has been refined and allows you to access streaming radio, podcasts, and any USB device. The voice commands function has also been updated, making the feature easier to use overall. Just like getting a new version of iOS or Android, the voice command system no initiates quicker when requested, and there is also a transcript that appears on the instrument panel to help confirm the vehicle heard your voice command correctly. There are also visual tips to help shed some light on available commands.

The navigation system has also been updated. The biggest news about this is that the system will now span the entire length and width of the touchscreen and provides important details about your trip. You can search for your destination by voice command, and the zoom adjusts automatically display important information. Home and work routing is nearly automatic, taking nothing more than a swipe to initiate. Part of this system includes Trip Planner which displays your entire trip on the screen prior to leaving. Navigation automatically starts when the Model S or Model X is put into drive.

The biggest news about the update come in the form of AutoPilot enhancements. According to Tesla, the system is now more responsive in stop and go traffic and can now navigate highway interchanges. The instrument cluster gets new AutoPilot indicators, while the system “controls for two cars ahead” which apparently improves safety and reaction time. If another car is close to the lanes edge during overtaking maneuvers, the autopilot system will now steer the car a little off center to help prevent the possibility of an accident. The most important part of the update to the AutoPilot system is the new enhanced safety requirements that will disable Autosteer if safety warnings are ignored.

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That New AutoPilot Warning

The video you see above is a video of the AutoPilot system going through the motions of its new warning system. Admittedly, it takes quite a while to kick it, but I suspect it takes so long because the driver was initiating lane changes which would likely reset the counter as the driver is likely paying at least some kind of attention to what’s going on. But, there’s another thing about this video that I want to point out. Why is the AutoPilot system allowed to break the posted speed limit? In the video, you can clearly see that the system recognizes the posted speed of 65 mph, but because the max speed is set to 75, it proceeds to break the posted speed limit. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those people that are anal about going to speed limit, but for a system that’s in “beta” and has been under a lot of heat for multiple accidents, I think this should be addressed.

What do you think about the latest OTA update for the Model S and Model X? Let us know in the comments section below.