Tesla Cybercab Spotted With Larger Front Cameras, Ambient Lighting, and More

As Tesla nears the debut of its autonomous ride-hailing service, recent Cybercab builds on display have revealed notable updates, including much larger forward-facing cameras and new door-mounted ambient lighting.

Photos shared by @DavidMoss on X show a substantially enlarged camera cluster behind the windshield. The sighting has prompted discussion that Tesla may be evaluating a new Full Self-Driving hardware package, possibly an early step toward AI5 (Hardware 5). Although the next-generation AI5 computer is not expected to enter mass production until mid-2027, the bigger lenses indicate an upgrade to the optical system intended to support a vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals.

Close-up views reveal larger lenses and small separators between each front-facing camera.

New Hardware and Interior Refinements

Another production unit recently showcased at the USDOT Headquarters in Washington, D.C., featured a very large cabin-facing camera and, for the first time, an interior trunk camera. This rear-facing sensor appears aimed at helping ensure riders don’t leave personal items behind after a trip.

Tesla has also revised the Cybercab’s cabin for durability in high-usage scenarios. The concept’s carpeted storage trunk has been replaced with a tougher, non-carpeted surface. In addition, the window switches and USB-C ports now appear to sit beneath the 21-inch central touchscreen. On a unit seen earlier this week at the USDOT headquarters, the window controls were positioned near the cupholders in the center console. The interior remains extremely minimal, with only an emergency stop button mounted above the screen, which also includes Braille.

Ambient Lighting

Thin strips of ambient lighting have been added in the doorframes. In recent sightings the strip emits a soft blue glow, enhancing the futuristic look while offering useful illumination for passengers entering and exiting at night — a helpful touch for a service intended to operate 24/7.

Wheels

Production-ready examples also highlight details that fit its “premium robotaxi” positioning. The vehicle uses a staggered setup with 215/60R/18 tires in front and 225/60R/21 tires in back to handle drivetrain torque. The tires are Continental aContact, paired with smooth, full-disc aerodynamic hubcaps.

Built for a Driverless Future

The Cybercab is a purpose-built, two-seat electric vehicle intended to anchor the Tesla Robotaxi network. Because it relies on a camera-only approach, each external camera is fitted with a high-pressure washer system so the Full Self-Driving hardware can maintain a clear view in adverse conditions without human assistance.

Early units were spotted at Giga Texas without traditional controls, though some initial production vehicles may include steering wheels to meet regional rules. The long-term target is a fully wireless, steering wheel-less experience. Tesla has received FCC approval for Ultra Wideband (UWB), which will underpin the vehicle’s planned wireless induction charging system.

Production Timeline

The first production Cybercab unit has rolled off the line at Giga Texas, and mass production is officially slated to begin in April.

As that date approaches, these incremental but important hardware revisions indicate a focus on the reliability of “unsupervised” vision. For Tesla, the move toward driverless operation is imminent, with assembly lines set to ramp in the coming weeks.