New Tesla Model Y (Project Juniper) Revealed: Upgraded Design, Interior, and Range

The new Tesla Model Y, codenamed "Project Juniper," has been fully revealed online for the first time without camouflage. The model features comprehensive upgrades to its exterior and interior, including full-width light strips for both the front and rear lighting assemblies. Reports suggest that trial production began at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory in late 2024, with an official launch expected in the first quarter of this year.

According to the latest leaked images, the front end of the new Model Y has been streamlined, incorporating some of the rugged design elements of the Tesla Cybertruck. The vehicle features split-style lighting assemblies with horizontally arranged headlights on both sides and a continuous daytime running light strip in the center. Additionally, the front bumper includes air intakes on both sides.

The side profile of the new Model Y retains the hidden door handles, which, like the rims, are blacked out, similar to the current model. Vehicle dimensions are expected to remain largely unchanged. For reference, the current Model Y measures 4,750 mm in length, 1,921 mm in width, and 1,624 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,890 mm.

At the rear, the new Model Y maintains the overall outline of the current model, featuring a subtle ducktail spoiler and a continuous light strip, complemented by a black rear bumper. Spy shots also indicate that the central section of the rear light assembly will feature the brand’s English logo.

Spy photos of the interior reveal that the layout closely mirrors the updated Model 3. The new Model Y adopts the same redesigned steering wheel as the Model 3, eliminating stalks behind the wheel in favor of screen-based gear selection. Functions such as lighting, indicators, wipers, and the voice assistant are integrated into physical buttons on both sides of the steering wheel. Additionally, the passenger-side dashboard features a carbon-fiber-style panel, while the seats are expected to be redesigned, potentially with added ventilation functionality.

Details on powertrain updates remain scarce. However, the new Model Y is expected to feature improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and range. Rumors suggest it could be equipped with a 95 kWh battery pack, offering a maximum range of up to 800 kilometers.

As a reference, the current Model Y lineup includes the following variants:

• Rear-Wheel Drive: Equipped with a rear motor delivering 220 kW of power and 440 Nm of torque, paired with a 60 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The CLTC range is 554 km.
• Long-Range All-Wheel Drive: Features a dual-motor system with a combined output of 331 kW, paired with a 78.4 kWh ternary lithium battery. The CLTC range is 688 km.
• Performance All-Wheel Drive: Includes a dual-motor system with a total power of 357 kW, paired with a 78.4 kWh ternary lithium battery. The CLTC range is 615 km.