Connect with us
elon musk elon musk

Lifestyle

Tonight’s Tesla Model Y unveiling could come with another Elon Musk surprise

Published

on

Tesla’s Model Y unveiling is upon us, and expectations among the fan community are high that the company could pull off another “one more thing” twist. Tesla has done something similar in the past, taking the wraps off the next-generation Roadster after the Tesla Semi’s unveiling. This time around, will the company have another surprise in store?

We conducted a poll on Twitter to gauge the pulse of the Tesla community with regards to a potential surprise at the end of the Model Y event. It appears that sentiments are pointing towards a possible Model S and Model X update or a Tesla Pickup truck reveal. We have to admit, these two options have pretty solid arguments behind them.

Tesla Pickup Truck

Elon Musk has mentioned the Tesla pickup truck during the Tesla Semi’s unveiling, and during that time, it seemed like the vehicle would still be a few years away. With the electric pickup market getting hotter by the week thanks to upcoming vehicles like the Rivian R1T and an upcoming all-electric Ford F-150, it will be wise for Tesla to expedite the release of its own truck. Such a vehicle will likely make big waves in the United States, thanks to the popularity of trucks in the country.

Elon Musk has stated that the pickup will be futuristic and not look out of place in the set of sci-fi movies like Blade Runner. Musk has also hinted at some of the truck’s features, such as 400-500 miles of range per charge, dual motor AWD, a 240-volt connection for heavy-duty tools, and up to 300,000 pounds (yes, that’s 300 thousand) of towing capacity, to name a few.

Model S and Model X update

The Model S and Model X are among the best electric cars available in the market today, though both vehicles are getting a bit long in the tooth. The Model S still uses the same design theme that Tesla debuted in June 2012. That’s more than six years ago.

Advertisement

Speculations among the Tesla community point to a possible updated interior that follows the theme of the Model 3, as well as slight design cues that update the look of the flagship sedan and SUV. This is, of course, speculation, but a potential range boost to around 400 miles per charge will also make the vehicles more attractive to buyers. These improvements could better establish the Model S and Model X as electric cars that are a cut above the Model 3 and Model Y.

Next-Gen Roadster SpaceX Package

Okay, this could be a long shot, but it would be really cool if Tesla unveils this vehicle. The next-gen Roadster was the “one more thing” of the Tesla Semi’s unveiling, so it will be pretty interesting to see Tesla use another Roadster as an extra surprise for the Model Y event. While somewhat unlikely considering the vehicle’s release date, it is difficult to argue that a next-gen Roadster that uses actual rocket technology will most definitely turn the Tesla community on its head.

The next-generation Tesla Roadster at Car Classic 2018. [Credit: t35l_4/Instagram]

No surprises?

There is also the possibility (though we definitely hope not) that Tesla will not have a “one more thing” at all. Tesla has done something like this in the past as well, with the Model 3 unveiling, which had no surprises at the end. Since the Model 3 and the Model Y are closely related, perhaps their unveilings will also be similar? Tomorrow’s event will hold the answer.

The Model Y unveiling is scheduled for this evening at Tesla’s LA Design Center and will be live-streamed begining at 8 p.m. PST.

Here are the running results of our poll so far. What do you think?

Advertisement

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

Advertisement
Comments

Lifestyle

Tesla Semi futuristic sci-fi acceleration sound will never get old

Videos that capture the Semi moving at speed are most notable due to their sheer cool factor.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla Owners Silicon Valley/X

The Tesla Semi is not yet in mass production, but the company has accumulated over 7.9 million miles across its test fleet. With Tesla using the Semi for its operations, it is no surprise that sightings of the Class 8 all-electric truck have been abounding. 

These sightings from Tesla enthusiasts vary, but those that capture the the Class 8 all-electric truck moving at speed are most notable, possibly due to their sheer cool factor.

Tesla Semi’s Roar

There is something that just stands out with the Semi, particularly on the road. While the Semi does not have the Cybertruck’s brutalist, angular design, it is still very striking because it’s such a massive machine that moves far too quietly for its size. This is, of course, one of the reasons why the vehicle also becomes extra noteworthy when it fires up its electric motors and accelerates.

Take this video from Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, for example, which shows the all-electric hauler accelerating while pulling what appears to be a full load. In these situations, the Tesla Semi actually becomes audible, but unlike traditional diesel-powered truck, the Class 8 all-electric truck “roars” with its own, unique futuristic, sci-fi sound. In such situations, one could feel the Semi’s raw power, which comes from its three independent motors on its rear axles.

Tesla Semi Ramp

Tesla has been promoting the Semi quite a bit as of late, and recent reports have suggested that the company is putting in a lot of effort to prepare the vehicle for its production in Nevada. Tesla’s Careers website has gone live with over 80 Semi-related job openings recently as well, and a recent report has suggested that Tesla has ramped the Semi’s factory workers in Nevada to over 1,000 employees.

Advertisement

The company has even shared an update video of the Semi factory’s progress near Giga Nevada, as well as the design of the vehicle’s new logo. The Semi’s updated logo is quite interesting as it features elements from the Tesla Model 3’s first logo, which was unveiled way back in 2016.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Elon Musk jokes he will join Mr Beast’s “100 Men vs 1 Gorilla” challenge

It’s a good sign, if any, that the overworked Musk is becoming a bit more lighthearted again.

Published

on

Credit: Elon Musk/X

Following the first quarter Tesla earnings call, CEO Elon Musk seems to have become a bit more relaxed—relaxed enough to joke about fighting a gorilla with 99 other people, at least.

It’s a good sign, if any, that the overworked Musk is becoming a bit more lighthearted again and not too busy picking fights with politicians on social media.

The Viral 100 Men vs 1 Gorilla Challenge

Over the weekend, a post on social media platform X went viral. The post itself was quite simple, with user @DreamChasnMike stating that he thinks 100 men could beat one gorilla. “Everybody just gotta be dedicated to the sh*t,” the X user joked. The post exploded on the platform, garnering 284 million impressions as of writing.

The silly question also triggered a massive debate about whether 100 men would really stand a chance against a literal gorilla. Some users even lamented that the premise was a sign of male hubris. Nevertheless, the question proved to be a fun topic on X, with some more dedicated users even posting simulated videos of what the “100 Men vs 1 Gorilla Challenge” could look like. 

Mr. Beast and Elon Musk Join In

The premise is quite similar to other viral videos from noted YouTube creator Mr. Beast, so it was no surprise that edited images of Mr. Beast YouTube thumbnails with “100 Men vs a Gorilla” also started spreading on the social media platform. Mr. Beast, who tends to be game to such silly ideas, actually reposted the edited image, joking “Need 100 men to test this, any volunteers?”

Advertisement

In true Elon Musk fashion, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO noted that he would join the challenge. “Sure, what’s the worst that could happen” Musk wrote in his post on X. Musk’s reply triggered quite a few laughs on X, with some stating that the world probably still needs the CEO.

While silly, Musk’s comment and his recent, more frequent posts about his companies’ products like Starlink and Grok have been received well by his supporters. Over the past months, after all, Musk has been very political and quite confrontational on social media. With Musk soon taking a step back from the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) daily operations, however, it seems like X will soon get a more tempered and lighthearted Elon Musk once more.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Possible first glimpse of Tesla “Model 2” affordable car in Fremont Factory

The models that Tesla will release in the coming months will resemble the company’s current lineup.

Published

on

Image Credit: @metgodinwilderness7130/YouTube

During the Q1 earnings call, Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy set expectations on the design of the affordable models that the company is expected to launch this 2025. As per the Tesla executive, the models that Tesla will release in the coming months will resemble the company’s current lineup.

Drone footage from the Fremont Factory earlier this month might have provided the EV community its first potential glimpse at Tesla’s affordable cars–fondly dubbed by EV fans and analysts as the “Model 2” or even “Model Q”–or at least their components and overall shape.

The Sighting

Tesla watcher and drone operator Met God in Wilderness, who has been posting aerial videos of the Fremont Factory for years now, recently shared some footage from his drone flyovers this month. While the Fremont Factory was abuzz with activity as usual, a couple of rather strange vehicles were quickly spotted by EV watchers on social media.

During the drone operator’s flyover on the 17th, for example, an unfinished vehicle could be seen parked next to what appeared to be fully-built Model S and Model Y units. What was especially interesting was the vehicle’s roof, which seemed to be slightly narrower than the Model Ys around it. Based on the video, at least, the vehicle seemed to be shaped like a crossover as well.

Footage from the 24th of April also proved quite interesting, with the drone operator capturing footage of another cryptic vehicle. Unlike the mysterious, unfinished, crossover-esque car spotted on the 17th, this particular unit seemed to have a more sloping rear, at least based on the shape of its covering.

Advertisement

What Lars Moravy Said

In Tesla’s Q1 2025 Update Letter, Tesla noted that “plans for new vehicles, including more affordable models, remain on track for start of production in the first half of 2025.” Tesla also noted that the new vehicles will utilize aspects of its next generation and its current platforms. They will also be produced on the same manufacturing lines as its present vehicle lineup, likely the Model Y and Model 3. 

During the earnings call itself, Moravy specifically stated that the new models that would come out in the next months would resemble the company’s current vehicles. They will, however, be affordable. “Models that come out in next months will be built on our lines and will resemble, in form and shape, the cars we currently make. And the key is that they’ll be affordable, and you’ll be able to buy one,” Moravy stated.

Watch the drone operator’s footage from April 17 below.

The drone operator’s footage from April 24 can be viewed below.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending