New Model S cars feature a glass roof that is lighter and lets in five times more light than previous versions
Tesla
Tesla has quietly refreshed its Model S vehicles, introducing a new "high-visibility glass roof," improved brake pads, and many other features. In an email to owners, the company lists several new tweaks to the latest Model S.
The new, Ultra Red paint grabbed all the attention. Tesla unveiled its high-chroma color and multi-layered paint process, delivering an exceptionally vibrant finish. But several other features in that Ultra Red launch video (below) are worth just as much attention.
Let the Sun Shine in - Not the UV
The new and improved panoramic roof for the Model S lets in more light and provides a clearer view of the sky, day or night, according to the message from Tesla. The new glass roof weighs less than the previous version and lets in five times more light, while still providing the same level of heat and UV protection. According to Tesla, the new roof also improves handling by lowering the center of gravity.
In addition, Tesla has integrated its new hardware 4 computer for Autopilot and self-driving capabilities, and the Model S now offers a free option of a round steering wheel.
New Brakes Put to the Test
Tesla's vehicle updates are always highly anticipated; the latest refresh is no exception. The improved brake pads with higher thermal capacity are designed to improve the Model S Plaid's braking performance.
Tesla announced the Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit in late 2021, but it is still not available for purchase. Tesla says they will be available in "early 2023." The kit costs $20,000 and is said to make the Model S Plaid a true monster on the track.
Although the ceramic brake kit isn't available to the public yet, test driver Sebastian Vittel raced a Model S Plaid taking on the Circuit de Bresse race track in France with the new performance brakes (video below). Despite the track being best suited for small, nimble cars, the Model S Plaid with the Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit was able to set a track record for street-legal cars on non-semi-slick tires with a lap time of 1:33.610. This record was set with the vehicle's original tires, indicating that the brakes were a significant factor in the vehicle's impressive performance.
Tesla's latest refresh of the Model S includes new features like a high-visibility glass roof, improved brake pads, and the integration of hardware 4 for Autopilot and full self-driving capabilities. The Carbon Ceramic Brake Kit's impressive performance on the track demonstrates Tesla's dedication to enhancing the vehicle's driving experience. Tesla remains at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry with their continuous improvement and innovation.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest Tesla news, upcoming features and software updates.
With the first Tesla Robotaxi rides starting shortly for early access users in Austin, Tesla has published a detailed set of rules for its first passengers.
They outline everything from who can ride to how you can behave in a car with no driver, and are designed to ensure safety. Tesla is using a safety monitor during the initial rollout phases, so the front passenger seat will not be available for customers.
Who Can Ride
Tesla has laid out clear guidelines on who is eligible to be a passenger, as well as some expected in-car conduct.
You must be at least 18 years old to book a ride and to ride alone. Riders are permitted to bring one guest, provided that the guest is also over the age of 18. You cannot book a ride for another person; the account holder must be present for the entire trip.
That’s all pretty straightforward, and we expect Tesla to relax some of the rules in the coming months. That means that once the safety monitor is gone, the number could increase to three or four.
How to Behave
All passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened for the entire duration of the ride. There is a strict prohibition on smoking, vaping, or consuming alcohol or other drugs inside the vehicle.
Riders are also asked to be courteous and leave the Robotaxi in the same condition as they found it. Those who damage or dirty the vehicle may be charged an additional, currently unspecified fee after the ride.
Hands Off: Driverless Vehicle
This is where the rules get a bit more interesting, focusing on the unique fact that the Model Ys that Tesla is using still have driver controls.
Riders are prohibited from sitting in the front-left driver’s seat. Additionally, riders must not tamper with, modify, or attempt to physically manipulate any vehicle equipment, including the steering wheel and pedals.
Interestingly, Tesla also has a rule on reverse-engineering and intellectual property protection. While photos and videos of the experience are permitted, riders are prohibited from bringing onboard instruments or equipment intended to record, measure, or conduct surveillance on Robotaxi.
Service Animal Exception
For riders with disabilities, Tesla has outlined a specific policy. Only small service animals that are trained to work or perform tasks are permitted in the vehicle. No other pets are allowed.
However, riders are not required to provide proof; however, support may ask you to confirm that the animal is required due to a disability and what task it is trained to perform.
At this point, we’re not sure whether Tesla will allow non-service animals in its Robotaxi Network in the near future. It would make sense if they did - many people travel with their pets, or need to take them from one location to another - but for now, only service animals will be allowed.
Tesla is definitely taking a safety-first approach in the initial launch, and with the presence of the Safety Monitor, they’re being very cautious. There is a long way to go before the average person becomes comfortable with an autonomous vehicle with no one in the driver’s seat, and building public trust is a good first step.
After several sets of spy shots showing camouflaged prototypes, the new Model Y Performance has finally broken cover in the German Alps. The performance variant was finally spotted completely undisguised and driving on public roads.
The video, captured by Nextmove on YouTube, gives us a great look at some differentiating features of the Performance variant.
Performance Model Aerodynamics
The new video confirms that the Model Y Performance model will receive a unique and more aggressive aerodynamics package. Clearly visible in the video is a new rear diffuser on the lower bumper, which is much more pronounced than the one on the standard Model Y.
Also confirmed is the longer, carbon fiber spoiler on the liftgate. Tesla is sticking with the carbon fiber look for its Performance variants, and this one in particular appears to be longer than the one on the original Model Y Performance.
New Badge & Wheels
Carscoops
For the first time, on what is likely a production-intent vehicle, we can make out a blurry shot of what appears to be a performance badge on the right side of the trunk. While the exact details are hard to make out, it appears to be a new icon in orange or red, similar in design to the Model 3 Performance Ludicrous badging.
The vehicle is also sporting the same new Performance wheels that were previously seen on the prototype, making the rounds on the Nürburgring. These unique wheels appear to be exclusive to the Performance variant, and look like they’re the first staggered option for the new Model Y.
Launch Soon
The appearance of a fully uncovered vehicle driving on public roads is typically one of the final stages for Tesla before it launches a new vehicle. We saw this with the lightly refreshed Model S and Model X just recently. While the key visual differentiators are all but confirmed, we’re still waiting on the most important parts: the official 0-60 mph time and details on the updated dynamics. It’s clear Tesla has some engineering magic working behind the scenes, and we can't wait to see the final results.
