Amongst many other things, the recent unveiling of the Tesla Model 3 seems to have given many a fresh set of eyes to appraise the Model S with. After looking at the Model 3 so much lately, I have to admit that the “nosecone” on the Model S has started to look quite strange. [Editor’s note: I grew to hate it (and almost all old-school frontends) after the Model X unveiling.] I’ve definitely developed a preference for the sort of “empty” front design of the Model 3. It gives the model a very distinct and “electric” look.
On that note, rumors are now going around (well, they have been since th Model X unveiling or earlier) that a refresh of the Model S is currently in the works — a refresh that will see the popular electric sedan get a new frontal look, as well as a redesigned interior.
A redesigned nose (and overall visual design, taking into account customer complaints) would probably be a good way to stimulate Model S sales further — considering the model has been relatively unchanged visually since its introduction a while back.
The rumors concerning a redesign of the interior are perhaps more interesting, as they may well be related to the approaching (within a few years) achievement of fully autonomous driving capability. It should be remembered, though, that regulatory and legal hurdles may well hold up deployment of the technology.
Presumably, the long-rumored 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery-pack option will accompany the redesign.
Teslarati provides more
Tesla is planning a refresh of the Model S beginning with interior treatments and a revised nose that could be announced as early as next week, according to sources inside Tesla via CNET. Members within the Tesla forum community have reported that their Model S orders have mysteriously been pushed back by about a month. This has left many to speculate that Tesla may be transitioning older components on existing Model S orders to newer ones following its impending announcement of a Model S refresh.
Details are few, but rumors across the Tesla community, also being reported by CNET, point to modifications being done on the front of the Model S making it look closer in design to the nose-less and grill-less Model X and Model 3. LED headlights will also be integrated, along with ventilated seats currently found on the Model X. Lastly, buyers of the Model S will have the ability to select new colors through the online configurator.
A representative for Tesla stated in a reply to CNET: “We don’t comment on rumor or speculation about future releases. Tesla is constantly innovating and adding new features to our vehicles to perpetually improve Tesla vehicles for our existing and future customers. We price our vehicles consistently throughout the world which requires us to adjust pricing to foreign currency exchange rates. We have let customers know that some price changes will take effect in early April. We always encourage those interested in purchasing Model S to place their order so they can start enjoying the many benefits of Model S today.”
That sounds like a probable “yes” to me.
Tesla is sooooooo far ahead of everybody…..
So that’s a maybe, possibly, could be ?