Tesla Full Self-Driving Beta 9 – Munro’s On-Road Review
esla‘s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta Version 9 promises a leap forward in autonomy. In this candid on-road evaluation, Sandy Munro joins Chris—also known as Dirty Tesla—for a hands-on demonstration. The result? A grounded, firsthand look at what Tesla’s Beta 9 is getting right, where it’s improving, and what still needs attention. First Impressions: Model Y […]
Teledyne FLIR Thermal Camera Systems: A Clearer Vision for Safer Roads
As autonomous driving and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technologies race toward mainstream adoption, the spotlight is shifting to the sensors that make them possible. One company leading the charge in thermal vision is Teledyne FLIR—a name synonymous with forward-looking infrared systems used extensively in defense, aerospace, and now increasingly, automotive design. In a recent […]
Under the Hood: Tesla Model 3’s Cooling System Improvements
Tesla’s 2021 Model 3 has undergone some key under-the-hood refinements—particularly in the front trunk (frunk) design and the vehicle’s thermal management system. These updates don’t just improve robustness and reliability. They have a real impact on cost and performance, especially in extreme weather conditions. In this teardown review, Munro & Associates takes a closer […]
Ford Mach-E Rear Motor Teardown: Design Critique and Cost Opportunities
At Munro & Associates, we recently conducted a detailed teardown of the Ford Mach-E’s rear motor, inverter, and transmission assembly. Our objective? Understand how Ford’s design stacks up against competitors like Tesla and Volkswagen—and where it may be adding unnecessary complexity, weight, or cost. While the Mach-E’s system shows a few thoughtful touches, our analysis […]
Tesla Model Y Teardown: 10 Expert Takeaways and What’s Next
At Munro & Associates, we’ve completed an in-depth teardown and analysis of the Tesla Model Y. The results? A comprehensive look at how Tesla continues to redefine lean design, cost-cutting, and continuous improvement. In this blog, we break down the top 10 insights from our analysis—and offer a glimpse into what’s next for Munro & […]
Tesla E1 Steering and Weight Reduction Insights
Tesla continues to push the boundaries of vehicle design, but there’s always room to rethink tradition. In this expert teardown discussion, Munro & Associates explores unconventional paths Tesla might take with its E1 platform—specifically reimagining steering systems and shedding unnecessary weight. These insights target two critical areas of EV evolution: intuitive control and leaner, more […]
Bronco vs. Wrangler: Expert Off-Road Tech Breakdown
The off-road world has long been dominated by Jeep’s Wrangler. But with the revival of the Ford Bronco, that dominance is facing serious competition. In this candid, deeply technical roundtable hosted by Munro & Associates, Sandy Munro is joined by Kevin Hardy and automotive journalist David Tracy of Jalopnik to dissect what makes these two […]
Tesla Teardown Talk: Sandy Munro Meets the Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley
Sandy Munro and the Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley recently met for an energetic and insightful Q&A session. What followed was a no-holds-barred conversation on EV design, manufacturing innovation, and where legacy automakers are falling behind. From the practical impact of mega castings to the limits of phantom braking, Sandy and Corey Steuben of Munro […]
Ford Mach-E Thermal System Teardown: What Went Wrong?
When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) engineering, less is often more. Lean design, efficient packaging, and simple thermal routing can make or break performance, reliability, and cost. Munro & Associates’ recent teardown of the Ford Mach-E’s thermal system puts this principle to the test—and exposes a tangled web of complexity that engineers and EV […]
2021 Tesla Model 3 First Impressions: Improvements and Remaining Challenges
At Munro & Associates, our passion for expert teardown analysis drives us to dig deep into every new vehicle iteration. When the 2021 Tesla Model 3 arrived at our shop, excitement ran high. We hoped to see how much Tesla had refined its engineering, particularly around long-standing concerns like paint quality, build consistency, and cost-saving […]