THE BEST AND WORST MODEL Y OPTIONS ARE ON THEIR WAY
More details about the future of the update to the Tesla Model Y, code-named Juniper, are starting to trickle out. The latest covers some of the electric crossover's best features, including more seats and higher performance, both of which are expected soon.
Model Y
Tesla executives are talking about the new variants, which is not something they often do. Any brand changes would otherwise typically come from the CEO's social media account, but that executive is a little busy these days. So it's Jay Leno who got first dibs with an executive to let us know the automaker's plans. It's a long video of nearly an hour, so read our update instead.
Model Y With More Range Coming, And Maybe One With More Power
The facelift Model Y is available to order now in the US, but only for the $59,990 Launch Edition. That's an expensive but fully-loaded model, offering 455 horsepower, 430 lb-ft of torque, and 327 miles of estimated range. It has some other new features like 16 speakers, 19-inch wheels, and a new low-emissivity glass roof.
In an interview with Jay Leno, Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy said that the more basic dual-motor and RWD models will be coming. They should arrive with much lower prices, and, of course, fewer horsepower. But the tade-off is that they should deliver more range than the Launch edition.
Tesla May Have Finally Named Its Big Bus
Tesla's big self-driving robotaxi may have a name, and it's somewhat predictable.
Among the models to arrive later in the year is the Model Y Performance. As the name suggests, it has more horsepower than the standard Dual Motor Model Y. In the case of the old Performance model, it made 456 horsepower instead of the 384 of the LR AWD, allowing 0-60 mph in in 3.5 seconds versus 4.8. The new RWD model will make 410 hp, though, according to the video, so the new Performance version could be boosted well above the Launch edition.
Seven-Seat Model Y Will Be Back
Last but certainly not least, the seven-seat version of the Model Y will return. Like most vehicles in this size class, the third-row seats are cramped, with tall passengers pressed up against the glass. But for families that aren't tall, or who need occasional seats for a few more people, the third row is just the ticket.
The third row also saves customers from a big jump to the much pricier Model X and its third row. Tesla just increased the base price of the Model X by $5,000 to $84,990. The figure also puts it over the limit for the $7,500 federal tax credit, meaning the real increase is closer to $13,000.
Expect all of the versions before the end of the year. The automaker is no doubt looking to accelerate the launch as sales in multiple important markets have fallen in the last quarter, with the decrease accelerating in January.