Refreshed Version of Tesla Model Y
New Rendering with Enhanced Accuracy
Luxurious Details Stand Out
Tesla’s Model Y, a key player in the brand’s entry-level lineup alongside the Model 3, once stood out for its impressive performance, particularly its reasonably priced rear-wheel-drive (RWD) trim. It even recorded top sales in several electric car markets. However, the Model Y has seen its popularity diminish since the refreshed version of the Model 3—the most affordable sedan in Tesla’s lineup—was launched.
That said, excitement is building again as news of an upcoming refresh for the Model Y surfaces, with promises of significantly improved product quality. Potential customers are eager for more details. Recent renderings of the updated Model Y have captured attention, especially as some design elements previously leaked through prototype sightings are now being refined and expanded upon, giving a clearer glimpse of what the refreshed model might look like.
Will it have a front end with a single-line DRL, different from the Model 3?
Auto Express unveiled a rendering of the new Model Y in September, offering a glimpse of what the refreshed version might look like. The front design shares several similarities with the recently launched Model 3 Highland, notably in the much thinner and sharper headlights that enhance the sleekness of the vehicle’s proportions. A single-line daytime running light (DRL) surrounds the headlamp frame and connects the headlights across the front with a light strip under the bonnet, giving the car a cohesive, modern appearance.
The bumper design remains mostly unchanged from the current Model Y, though fog lights are visible at the left and right ends. The central air intake stays consistent with the existing model, maintaining its familiar look.
The tail lamp is also horizontal, an element confirmed in the real thing
At the rear, the rendering introduces updated “ㄷ”-shaped tail lamps, a design element carried over from the Model 3 Highland. A black garnish connects the upper and lower portions of the tail lights, creating the visual effect of a wider, sportier vehicle. The iconic T-shaped Tesla emblem has been replaced with Tesla lettering, offering a cleaner, more minimalist design.
Like the front DRL, a light strip is integrated into the rear where the Tesla lettering is located, adding a synchronized lighting effect with the tail lamps. The rendering suggests a performance specification, indicated by the red calipers and the matte black finish on the wheels, giving the car a dynamic, sporty feel.
The interior changes resemble those of the Model 3, but the new Model Y may not be launched this year
Meanwhile, some of the actual images of the new Model Y prototype have leaked ahead of the rendering. Horizontal tail lights will undoubtedly be applied, and the interior is expected to undergo a similar range of changes to the Model 3 Highland. According to spy shots, the mood lamps span the entire dashboard and extend widely to the first-row door trim garnish.
The shift lever integrated into the center display, the turn signal, and the wiper moved to the steering wheel switch panel are also expected to be applied as is. The powertrain is divided into rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, and performance is like the current model, and the combined total output of the performance specification may exceed 500 horsepower. As Elon Musk previously stated, there are no plans to launch the new Model Y in the second half of 2024. The launch date is likely to be the first half of 2025.
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