Model Y facelift ahead of its launch
A new prototype was recently spotted
Shape revealed as lamps light up
According to Chinese media, the Tesla Model Y facelift Juniper will be produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory in January 2025. The factory has already shared the production schedule for the new Model Y and is said to have entered full-scale production preparations.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk initially announced that the new Model Y would not be released in 2024, disappointing consumers waiting for it. However, expectations are rising again with the news that it will be produced shortly after in January 2025. If that schedule goes as planned, it is consistent with Musk’s statement that there would be no launch in 2024.
The front view features a split lamp design, showcasing the thinly illuminated upper headlights.
Ahead of its launch, prototypes have been captured one after another. Recently, a Model Y facelift prototype was captured driving in California, US, and China. The front headlights, fog lights, and tail lights have been confirmed to be lit more precisely than in previous spy shots. Accordingly, the Model Y facelift is expected to undergo major changes in its appearance.
Looking at the appearance through spy shots, the split lamps in the front stand out. At the bottom, fog lights are located, and at the top, headlamps that light up in a thinner form than before can be seen. Based on this, some have speculated that a light bar extending along the entire width, like Hyundai’s seamless horizon lamp, will be placed.
The rear end is set to feature a light bar, resembling changes seen in the Model 3
This is because the light bar was applied to the previously leaked rear end, and it is speculated that the design unified with the rear end will also be used to the front end. In this prototype, the lights of the rear lamps that light up in a horizontal line shape can be confirmed at the rear end. It is presumed that there will also be some changes to the bumper, along with a horizontal reflector at the bottom.
As for the side of the tail lamp, which is not revealed, it is expected to change to a more sleek form like the Model 3. In the related rendering, the design was applied so that the side of the tail lamp extends toward the rear quarter panel as if stabbing while maintaining the ㄷ shape graphic. In the case of the rear bumper, a reflector is installed integrated with the rear diffuser.
Changes during the mass production process are also possible
The battery capacity is expected to increase
However, some Model Y facelift prototypes captured over the past year did not have split lamps so that the design may change during mass production. In addition, Tesla is preparing to launch a Model Y with a long wheelbase exclusively for China. Unlike the base model, the wheelbase has been extended to accommodate up to six passengers.
For the interior, there is talk of a possible expansion of the infotainment display to 15.4 inches and an 8-inch display for the second-row air conditioning. In addition, the Long Range and Performance trims are expected to have a 95 kWh battery with a larger capacity than before, increasing the driving range by more than 10%. Powertrain performance is also likely to improve. The weight and energy consumption will likely be reduced by increasing efficiency by installing an electric motor smaller than the current model.
