Cybertruck and other Tesla references on The Simpsons throughout the years

Tesla's Cybertruck is featured in The Simpsons

Fox

The Simpsons, one of the longest-running TV shows of all time, have had some epic cars in Springfield; now Tesla is on that elite list. The Cybertruck and Model X appeared in this past weekend's Simpson's Halloween special. The Teslas now join the Canyonero, which smells like a steak and seats 35, the Canyonero Hybrid, which gets 11 miles to the gallon, and The Homer, a car designed by Homer Simpson, as classic Simpson rides.

Treehouse of Horror XXXIII has the animated family in a version of Westworld where the amusement park staff use a Cybertruck to take the malfunctioning robots to a repair facility. Monorail Homer gets stuck in a catchphrase loop, and the humanoid robot is shut down by flicking a switch in his nose. He is then tossed into the back of a Cybertruck.

Tesla's Cybertruck is featured in The Simpsons

Fox

Interesting placement of the killswitch; Elon Musk did say that Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot, would have a switch to shut down the unit. So it could be up Optimus' nose.

Tesla's time in Springfield continues in the next episode, Not It. The show has a hilarious take on Stephen King's IT, and appearing on screen for just a few seconds is a white Model X. The vehicle belongs to Comic Book Guy, who is married to Marge. It may be the second time the Model X has appeared in the Simpsons. In episode 716, released in December of 2021, Fit-Fat Tony becomes Maggie's Godfather and leases the Simpsons a "Luxus" SUV. Bart is later seen playing with the Falcon Doors.

The Model X opens its falcon doors and hits Bart Simpson

Fox

The Tesla Roadster has also appeared in the Simpsons. In the fifth episode of season 32, a red Roadster is parked in front of Leonardo DiCaprio's mansion. Although there was a glaring error, the car was plugged in on the right side. The Model S has been in the show as well. Mr. Burns has a Model S that he charges at Richard Branson's house to avoid paying for electricity. Krusty the Clown also has a Model S. He uses Autopilot to hang out the window and attack Homer.

Mr. Burns charging his Model S

Fox

Who can forget the episode The Musk Who Fell to Earth? Tesla's CEO voiced himself during the episode in season 26 where he lands in Homer's backyard, and the two become fast friends. Bart and Lisa go for a joyride in Elon's car, using the password MUSKRULEZ to disable FSD. However, the show takes a turn when Mr. Burns plans to kill Musk.

The Simpsons is notorious for predicting the future, so now that Cybertruck has been spotted on the streets in Springfield, it has to be coming to the real world soon.

Psychiatrist decked out in Tesla merchandise

Fox

Kent Brockman, the news reporter on The Simpsons uses Tesla's Summon feature to call his Tesla.

Kent Brockman summons his Tesla

Fox

Tesla's Upcoming Model Y Performance Spotted With Camouflage: What's New

Carscoops

Just like how Carscoops spotted the refreshed Model S, they also spotted the refreshed Model Y, and this time, it was likely the Performance variant.

When Tesla launched the Launch Edition of the refreshed Model Y, they opened the floor to orders for the Rear-Wheel Drive (later introduced to the U.S.) and All-Wheel Drive Long Range variants, but not for the Performance model. This was the same strategy that was used with the refreshed Model 3, whose performance version launched months after the new Model 3.

We’ve already seen some covered-up refreshed Model Ys at Giga Texas, so it seems almost certain that Tesla is in their final evaluation phases prior to this variant’s launch.

With that said, let’s dive into what we saw at the ‘Ring.

Minor Exterior Updates

The Nürburgring prototype was fully wrapped in a white and black camouflage, but thanks to the crisp photos, we got some detailed looks at the exterior of the vehicle. A new and more distinct spoiler is on the rear hatch, similar to the previous generation’s Performance model. That spoiler is likely carbon fiber and will also likely make its way to the Tesla store in the future as a cosmetic add-on for non-Performance buyers.

That spoiler is super noticeable from the side.

Carscoops

Carscoops also noticed that the vehicle was sitting noticeably closer to the ground than the refreshed Model Y Long Range. We’re expecting Tesla to include an adaptive suspension system, similar to the one that arrived with the Model 3 Performance. These adaptive suspensions can adjust to driver and road input in real-time with adaptive damping.

Interestingly, the front fascia looks relatively unchanged, lacking the dedicated brake cooling ducts that the Model 3 Performance has.

Powertrain

As usual with Tesla, we haven’t heard anything in terms of official specs on the powertrain for this Performance variant, but we can make some good guesses. The Model 3 Performance and Model Y Performance usually sport the same amount of horsepower, so we’re guessing that the refreshed Model Y Performance will also have 510 HP. That gives it about a 3.2-second 0-60 mph (0-100km/h), which is a generous upgrade from the previous generation’s 3.5-second speed at 470 hp.

Wheels & Brakes

On the ‘Ring, the refreshed Model Y Performance is sporting new alloy wheels that are reminiscent yet slightly distinct from the Model S Arachnid wheels. These new Performance wheels also look like they’re a staggered setup, similar to the rest of Tesla’s performance lineup, which means wider rear wheels for better traction and handling. Alongside the red brake calipers, we expect that there are larger, performance-optimized brakes to handle track days.

Pretty Arachnid-looking wheels. We like them!

Carscoops

Performance Launch Date?

Given the fact that this is only the second time we’ve seen the refreshed Model Y Performance, we expect the launch to be a couple of months out. Tesla is still likely working on optimizing the adaptive suspension characteristics and fine-tuning Track Mode 3.0 for the vehicle, and hopefully also designing some unique Performance seats to go with it all.

We’d expect Tesla to launch this variant sometime in late Q3 or early Q4 2025, which is still a few months away. Perhaps the new Model S and Model X will also launch alongside it? That may just make a great Tesla event.

Follow

Follow

Follow

Tesla Model S Refresh Spotted With Front Bumper Camera at Nürburgring [PHOTOS]

CarScoops

Carscoops, which keeps a close eye on racetracks around the world for new models in testing, has spotted what appears to be the refreshed Model S at Nürburgring in Germany. Tesla is testing out the new Model S, which is likely a Plaid, on the track. Tesla was taking this new Model S for some laps around the track, which serves as an excellent testing ground for high-performance vehicles like the Model S Plaid.

The updated Model S was seen wearing some white and black camouflage over the front and rear, but from the photos that were provided, the changes appear to be relatively minimal and focused on aerodynamics,  at least on the exterior.

Not a Juniper-Level Refresh

Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, mentioned that Tesla was working on updating the Model S and Model X. However, he didn’t quite say just how much of a refresh was on its way. Lars’ comments were very general, and he didn’t mention any details.

Based on what we’ve observed at the ‘Ring,’ this Model S refresh doesn’t appear to be a full-blown Model Y Juniper level refresh, which included a light bar, new headlights, and other substantial changes to the rear and front of the vehicle.

New Front Bumper Camera

At first glance, the front fascia looks remarkably similar to the existing Model S, but there are a few key differences. 

First up is the addition of a new lower lip spoiler mounted at the very bottom of the front bumper. These spoilers help to improve aerodynamic efficiency and downforce at high speeds, which is entirely appropriate for a vehicle that thrives on tracks like the Nürburgring.

On the other hand, the distinctive headlights and eyeliner-style running lights appear to remain intact, keeping the overall look of the front relatively similar. Tesla has kept the black space with the Tesla logo at the front of the vehicle. While it’s difficult to tell on the front shots, you can tell it’s still there from the side shots.

Another little item was the return of the front bumper camera. Tesla is shipping both the refreshed Model Y and the Cybertruck with a bumper camera, so it isn’t surprising to see this, but it is one of the best indications that this is a new vehicle being tested.

Can you spot the little nub with the bumper camera?

CarScoops

Wheels & Brakes

The prototype was spotted sporting some new alloy racing wheels that bear a distinctive resemblance to the Photon wheels that ship with the Model 3. If you take off the aero covers from the Photon wheels, they look exceptionally similar. This seems relatively odd, as Tesla’s top-end performance wheels are usually distinctively different from other wheel options. 

We also saw the currently-available Arachnid wheels on the same Model S being tested, on the way to and from the track. Tesla likely switched out to these new wheels to test their performance and handling characteristics on the track.

The original Arachnids on this Model S tester

CarScoops

Rear End

From the available images, the rear end of this new test vehicle appears to be largely unchanged. The tail light design, bumper shape, and overall profile look essentially the same as today’s Model S, which means that Tesla’s work has likely focused on the front of the vehicle.

The rear diffuser looks a bit different, but seems essentially the same.

Not a Tesla App

What Else?

With the exterior changes appearing to be relatively minimal, it’s plausible that more significant updates could be found within the cabin. Tesla could be working on interior updates that help bring the new Model S more in line with the new Model 3 and Model Y.

A focus point for Tesla may be the Model S Plaid’s powertrain. The S Plaid used to hold several records, at least until the Lucid Air Sapphire and Rimac Nevera came along to steal the trophies. Tesla could be improving both the front and rear motors, as well as the other portions of the drivetrain needed to grab a podium finish once again, which would be just as exciting as Plaid+ being announced again.

Given the minimalistic changes to the exterior, it seems unlikely that Tesla has made drastic changes to the vehicle as a whole, though. We don’t expect this updated version of the Model S to launch with Steer-by-Wire or any of the other new technologies pioneered by the Cybertruck. Although Tesla says they will be used in future vehicles, even Juniper launched without these Cybertruck upgrades.

Tesla could still surprise everyone, as is their habit with vehicle announcements, but we’re expecting a slightly faster, slightly cooler-looking Model S at this point.

Side-on with the refreshed Model S

CarScoops

Follow

Follow

Follow