Tesla's Model Y “Juniper” refresh has been spotted for the first time during winter testing in China, in anticipation of the upcoming unveiling.
The refreshed Model Y has been long awaited, and is expected to include many improvements for the 2023 Model 3 refresh. The main features of that car are a new front end, excellent performance, and a quiet cabin. But there have been many other interior improvements (and one major omission, the removal of the steering column graduations).
And we know it's coming soon, because there's been a lot of sightings and leaks lately, though it's all been veiled to hide the front and rear design changes.
In October, Chinese social media said the refresh was about to enter trial production, and a few days later we saw a photo of the refreshed Model Y outside the Shanghai factory. Then last month, we heard that mass production will start in Shanghai in January, so we can expect that soon.
And while Tesla said in 2024 that no Model Y refresh is coming “this year”, 2024 is now over, and there have been plenty of recent indications that a refresh is on the way.
Well, now that time has come, and photos have been posted today of the car undergoing an undisguised winter test in Northeast China.
As expected, the update eliminates the “duck lips” of the previous Model Y, as Tesla did with the update of the Model 3, and as hidden photos have suggested. The rear end is also similar to previous leaks we've seen, with a smooth back and the use of a “TESLA” text badge instead of the Tesla logo (also missing after the Model 3 refresh).
The front end is a dramatic redesign over the Model 3, however, which received a lower nose but retained the traditional headlights. The Model Y leads with a Cybertruck-like light bar across the front, rather than the Model 3's unique headlights.
Rumors on social media have also suggested that an official reveal is imminent, so we may find out more in the days. Stay tuned.
What do you think of the looks of the Model Y Juniper?
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