Last year, Tesla updated its Model 3 sedan with a sleek facelift and interior refresh that deleted the indicator wand. That controversial move is likely to carry over to the refreshed Tesla Model Y, due out next year.
As indicated last month the styling of the ‘Project Juniper’ update, as it is known, is likely to take inspiration from that of the more windswept Model 3.
Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, recently said that small improvements are made gradually to all of the maker’s models, many via over-the-air (OTA) updates. He commented:“Even a car that is six months newer will be a little better.”
As distinct from the Model 3, the Model Y refresh is set to get a full-width light bar with embedded Tesla lettering. A small camera is evidently hidden within a section of gloss-black trim. The light clusters will be like those of the Model 3, but with a sharper LED signature and hidden indicator turn signals.
Expect the overall shape to stay much the same, so the tall bootlid and heavily-raked rear screen will carry over. So too will the long wheelbase and short overhangs. Fresh alloy wheel designs optimised for aero are likely. And more body-coloured trim may feature.
AutoExpress, which rendered the images, says to expect a Model 3-inspired front-end design. Slimmer lights and smoother surfacing will give the car a more modern aesthetic.
It is likely that the interior will be lifted wholesale from the Model 3. So cue the minimalist dashboard with a large central screen and no gauge cluster. Most of the car’s functions will be controlled within the main display. And the indicators will transform to steering wheel buttons.
Expect new seats and expanded multi-colour ambient lighting. The whoopee cushion and games will likely carry over.
Rear-, All-Wheel Drive and Performance models will continue, the latter with over 373kW. A Long Range version is likely to be offered, as before. The base model should have a range of around 560km.
Tesla will be wanting to maintain its class-leading charging speed of up to 250kW. Its Supercharger network also simplifies payments and offers reduced rates.
Prices for the facelifted Model 3 dropped on its arrival and the same may happen with the updated Model Y.
