In the sprawling expanse of Tesla's Gigafactory Berlin, a local observer, Tobias Lindh, captured what might be a glimpse into the automaker's future. Flying his drone over the site, Lindh spotted something unusual. The mystery car, which appears smaller than any current Tesla and with notable modifications at the rear and more narrow windows, has sparked discussions about Tesla's next innovation. Could it be the next-gen, $25,000, Model 2?
A Spectrum of Reactions
The responses on social media ranged from analytical to amusing, reflecting the diverse and passionate Tesla fan base. Some debated whether perspective might be playing tricks on viewers, and it’s nothing more than a torn-down Model Y. But others argue it looks considerably smaller than a Model Y, aligning with some expectations for a next-gen vehicle. The vehicle's design nuances, such as the curvature of the front and top glass and a distinct windshield rake, caught the eye of others.
Just saw this in my latest video from #GigaBerlin at 19:35
Others believe it could be a teardown of a competitor car, musing if it could be a Ford Mustang Mach-E, a suggestion that added a layer of intrigue to the speculation. That might explain why it is in a muddy back lot. Then another theory is the possibility of it being a refreshed Model Y, pointing to minor updates rather than a completely new offering. Humor also found its way into the discussions by labeling the vehicle the "Batmobile," while some suggest it could be Bigfoot.
Community Vigilance
This flurry of speculation comes amidst heightened anticipation for Tesla's next-gen vehicle, internally referred to as "Redwood." Elon Musk's recent comments about a revolutionary manufacturing system set to redefine automotive production have only fanned the flames of curiosity. With a production timeline towards late 2025, Tesla enthusiasts are piecing together every clue and comment in anticipation of the company's next big reveal.
The range of reactions to the sighting at Giga Berlin showcases the Tesla community's enduring enthusiasm for the company and sets the sights on a new target. Over the last several years the community has followed Cybertruck sighting as well as the new Model 3. Now, all the focus moves to the next-generation platform. Whether the vehicle is a harbinger of the next-gen model, a refreshed version of an existing car, or merely a red herring, it underscores the community's vigilant watch over Tesla's every move.
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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.
