Tesla’s Updated Model Y Spotted in Testing
Recent sightings near Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, confirm the development of a revised Model Y variant. Observed by Sawyer Merritt, the vehicle appears too be a production-ready version, lacking any camouflage.
Key exterior changes include the removal of the front light bar,replaced with a black beam. The rear also features a similar black beam in place of the previous light bar, and the rear “Tesla” badging is absent. Headlights have been redesigned, appearing more separated and incorporating the narrower design introduced with the Juniper update. The vehicle also features a slightly protruding tailgate, mirroring the trunk design, and a reduction in wheel size from 19 inches to 18 inches.
While maintaining a similar overall appearance to the existing Model Y, this new version is expected to be offered in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. To achieve a lower price point, several features have reportedly been removed, including electrically folding mirrors, a rear-seat entertainment screen, entry lighting, and a sunroof. Interior appointments are also expected to be simplified with downgrades to mood lighting, cabin lighting, and seat services.
Details regarding the vehicle’s battery and range remain unknown. However,given the battery’s significant cost,Tesla is likely to utilize a lower-cost lithium-iron phosphate battery manufactured at its Nevada facility.
Experts predict a starting price of approximately $39,999, a reduction from the current Model Y’s $45,000 price tag. This falls short of earlier expectations for a significantly more affordable Tesla, initially targeted around $25,000. The impact of these changes on advanced driver-assistance systems like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, including camera and sensor configurations, is currently unclear and under evaluation for potential safety implications.
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