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Tesla Model S refresh inside look reveals V11 UI, “Drag Strip Mode,” “Smart Shift,” and more
A recent sighting of a Tesla Model S refresh has provided what could very well be the first glimpse of software Version 11’s potential user interface, as well as some of its features. The images also showed how Tesla might utilize the Model S refresh’s Cybertruck-sized 17″ infotainment system and its instrument cluster.
In a post in the r/TeslaMotors subreddit, electric vehicle enthusiast u/FridayTheDog111 remarked that the images were taken in one of two high-mileage Model S refresh units that were traveling from Phoenix to Fremont. The EV enthusiast did not state where he encountered the vehicle, though the photos seemed to have been taken at the Kettleman Supercharger.
A look at the photos that the electric car enthusiast shared reveals that software V11 will feature some UI changes compared to V10. The vehicle’s 3D avatar, which seems to be about the same size as those in the Model 3 and Model Y, was displayed in the instrument cluster. This suggests that driving visualizations in the upcoming vehicle will be displayed in the instrument cluster, similar to its predecessor.
The additional screen real estate provided by the 17″ infotainment system seems notable, as could be seen in the display’s support of multiple widgets. But inasmuch as these are interesting, what truly stuck out in the recent photos were some of the features listed in the “Driving” menu of the new Model S. In the images, one could see new features such as “Smart Shift,” a dedicated “Drag Strip Mode,” and an option for “Insane” acceleration.
While the nature of the new features is yet to be announced by Tesla, “Smart Shift” seems to relate to a function that Elon Musk referenced in Twitter recently. In a tweet, the Tesla CEO noted that the Model S refresh would be able to operate without a shifter. A later leaked email provided additional details on the feature, with Musk stating that the system would use Autopilot cameras to determine if a vehicle should be in Park, Neutral, Reverse, or Drive. These capabilities seem to fit the bill of a “Smart Shift” function.
“Insane” acceleration is a throwback to the days of the Model S P85D, a variant of the all-electric flagship sedan that could go from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Insane Mode is partially responsible for the trend of Tesla owners sharing reaction videos of passengers experiencing the Model S’ acceleration for the first time. “Drag Strip Mode,” considering its moniker, seems to refer to a function that would allow drivers to launch their Model S with the best performance possible.
That being said, the fact that no “Plaid” references were in the recently-photographed Model S refresh’s images suggests that the car is a Dual Motor Long Range AWD variant. It should also be pointed out that the recent images only displayed a few screens and features that were available in the Model S refresh’s V11 software. Other features, particularly those that would be unique to the Model S Plaid, would likely be even more exciting.
Watch the Tesla Model S refresh perform a three-point turn before accelerating in the video below.
NEW Model S take off video. (See previous post as well) from r/teslamotors
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Tesla sales soar in Norway with new Model Y leading the charge
Tesla recorded a 54% year-over-year jump in new vehicle registrations in June.

Tesla is seeing strong momentum in Norway, with sales of the new Model Y helping the company maintain dominance in one of the world’s most electric vehicle-friendly markets.
Model Y upgrades and consumer preferences
According to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), Tesla recorded a 54% year-over-year jump in new vehicle registrations in June. The Model Y led the charge, posting a 115% increase compared to the same period last year. Tesla Norway’s growth was even more notable in May, with sales surging a whopping 213%, as noted in a CNBC report.
Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association (NEVA), stated that Tesla’s strong market performance was partly due to the updated Model Y, which is really just a good car, period.
“I think it just has to do with the fact that they deliver a car which has quite a lot of value for money and is what Norwegians need. What Norwegians need, a large luggage space, all wheel drive, and a tow hitch, high ground clearance as well. In addition, quite good digital solutions which people have gotten used to, and also a charging network,” she said.
Tesla in Europe
Tesla’s success in Norway is supported by long-standing government incentives for EV adoption, including exemptions from VAT, road toll discounts, and access to bus lanes. Public and home charging infrastructure is also widely available, making the EV ownership experience in the country very convenient.
Tesla’s performance in Europe is still a mixed bag, with markets like Germany and France still seeing declines in recent months. In areas such as Norway, Spain, and Portugal, however, Tesla’s new car registrations are rising. Spain’s sales rose 61% and Portugal’s sales rose 7% last month. This suggests that regional demand may be stabilizing or rebounding in pockets of Europe.
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Tesla to open first India experience center in Mumbai on July 15
The event is scheduled for July 15 at the Bandra Kurla Complex, a premier business district in Mumbai.

Tesla is officially entering India with the opening of its first showroom and experience center in Mumbai next week. The event is scheduled for July 15 at the Bandra Kurla Complex, a premier business district in Mumbai.
Tesla imports to India signal an early-stage market entry strategy
According to Indian customs data, Tesla has imported approximately $1 million worth of vehicles, charging equipment, and merchandise into the country between January and June. The shipments include six Model Y comprised of five standard variants valued at $32,500 each and one long-range model valued at $46,000. Several Superchargers and related accessories were also imported into the country, as noted in a Yahoo Finance report.
These vehicles are expected to serve as display models and test units as Tesla gauges interest and navigates India’s high import duties, which hover around 70% on fully built vehicles. Despite the significant tariffs in the country, Tesla has opted to begin its India expansion with imported cars.
An invitation to the Tesla India launch event has been making the rounds online. As could be seen in the document, Tesla noted that July 15 would be the launch of Tesla in India through the opening of a Tesla experience centre at Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai.
Tesla India’s hiring and expansion efforts are underway
Tesla has filled a number of key roles from the 30+ positions it advertised earlier this year. Recent hires include store managers, service executives, and sales staff, while ongoing recruitment is focused on supply chain engineers and vehicle operators to support the company’s Autopilot program.
Indian officials have been open about their intention to encourage Tesla to establish a manufacturing hub in the country. Tesla does seem open to the idea, at least, with reports last year hinting that Elon Musk was set to visit the country to discuss or even potentially announce a domestic project. The trip, however, was ultimately canceled.
News
Tesla begins Robotaxi certification push in Arizona: report
Tesla seems serious about expanding its Robotaxi service to several states in the coming months.

Tesla has initiated discussions with Arizona transportation regulators to certify its driverless Robotaxi service in the state, as per a recent report from Bloomberg News. The move follows Tesla’s launch of its Robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, as well as CEO Elon Musk’s recent comments about the service’s expansion in the Bay Area.
The Arizona Department of Transportation confirmed to Bloomberg that Tesla has reached out to begin the certification process for autonomous ride-sharing operations in the state. While details remain limited, the outreach suggests that Tesla is serious about expanding its driverless Robotaxi service to several territories in the coming months.
The Arizona development comes as Tesla prepares to expand its service area in Austin this weekend, as per CEO Elon Musk in a post on X. Musk also stated that Tesla is targeting the San Francisco Bay Area as its next major market, with a potential launch “in a month or two,” pending regulatory approvals.
Tesla first launched its autonomous ride-hailing program on June 22 in Austin with a small fleet of Model Y vehicles, accompanied by a Tesla employee in the passenger seat to monitor safety. While still classified as a test, Musk has said the program will expand to about 1,000 vehicles in the coming months. Tesla will later upgrade its Robotaxi fleet with the Cyercab, a two-seater that is designed without a steering wheel.
Sightings of Cybercab castings around the Giga Texas complex suggests that Tesla may be ramping the initial trial production of the self-driving two-seater. Tesla, for its part, has noted in the past that volume production of the Cybercab is expected to start sometime next year.
In California, Tesla has already applied for a transportation charter-party carrier permit from the state’s Public Utilities Commission. The company is reportedly taking a phased approach to operating in California, with the Robotaxi service starting with pre-arranged rides for employees in vehicles with safety drivers.
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