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 brings perhaps the coolest interior feature to cars in latest update

Tesla adds on to the “fun” aspect of its vehicles.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla

Tesla has brought perhaps the coolest interior feature to its cars in a new update that is rolling out to vehicles now.

The feature will require a newer vehicle that has interior ambient lighting, which is present on the new Model S, Model X, Model 3 “Highland,” and Model Y “Juniper.” The Cybertruck also has ambient lighting strips throughout.

Tesla Model Y’s ambient lighting design changes revealed in leaked video

With the Version 2025.26+ Software Update, Tesla is rolling out a new “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music” feature, which is available on the Tesla Toybox:

To enable the feature, you’ll access the Toybox, choose “Light Sync,” and then choose “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music.”

Although it does not improve the performance of the vehicle, it is yet another example of Tesla making one of the coolest cars out there. This is truly a cool add-on that can be used to impress your friends and family.

Continue Reading

Elon Musk

xAI, Musk Foundation helps schools near Memphis supercomputer site

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

Published

on

xAI-supercomputer-memphis-environment-pushback
(Credit: xAI)

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI and the Musk Foundation have been supporting Memphis-Shelby County Schools with HVAC repairs and facility upgrades, while also funding youth programs for students in the area. 

Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

xAI’s school visits lead to facility repairs

Representatives from xAI visited John P. Freeman Optional School, Fairley High School, and Westwood High School, all of which are located near its Colossus supercomputer site, to assess HVAC systems, plumbing, gym facilities, and athletic fields. The visits resulted in a list of priority repairs, some of which were completed in April and May.

In addition to the repairs, xAI also shared a number of initiatives that are planned for students in the area, as stated in a Commercial Appeal report.

“xAI is working on providing STEM workshops for local students, donating equipment to technical training programs, and supporting job fairs to boost employment opportunities. These initiatives reflect xAl’s commitment to fostering education and economic growth in Memphis,” xAI noted in a statement.

Advertisement

Musk Foundation donation

Apart from xAI, the Musk Foundation also donated $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, enabling the reopening of two club sites located at Booker T. Washington High School and Westwood High School. Both locations had closed earlier this year due to lapses in funding. As per xAI, the Musk Foundation’s donation allows clubs to reopen for almost 1,000 students. 

The donation will fund staffing, supplies, and transportation, among others. “Kids are the future of humanity,” Elon Musk said in a statement, adding that students need “every chance to shoot for the stars.”

“We’re honored to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in reopening these sites, giving kids in underserved communities the tools to build brighter futures,” Musk said.

The gift was praised by local officials, including Boys & Girls Clubs board chair Michael Garriga, who stated that the “commitment will ensure the youth of our community have the opportunities they need to develop their skills and talents to become successful students and future citizens.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

EV fans urge Tesla to acquire Unplugged Performance for edge in fleet and security industry

Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles.

Published

on

Credit: Unplugged Performance

A growing number of Tesla enthusiasts and longtime community voices are calling on the electric vehicle maker to acquire Unplugged Performance, a California-based aftermarket company best known for tuning Tesla vehicles and developing specialized government fleet solutions under its UP.FIT division.

The idea was once considered a niche proposal among EV fans, but it is now gaining serious attention not just as a performance play but as a strategic move to deepen Tesla’s roots in the fleet and security industry. 

A strategic fit

Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles, from track-optimized components to visual and aerodynamic upgrades. But in recent years, its UP.FIT division has pivoted toward a more functional future by outfitting Tesla vehicles like Model Ys for police, military, and government use.

That work has sparked growing calls for closer collaboration with Tesla, especially as the EV maker increasingly leans into autonomy, AI, and fleet services as core components of its next chapter.

“I posted this four years ago, but I think it’s more true now than ever,” wrote Whole Mars Catalog, a well-known Tesla investor and FSD Beta tester, on X. “Tesla should buy Unplugged. But not just as a Performance division. What they are doing with UP.FIT unlocks large government and commercial fleet purchases that can improve utilization.”

Advertisement

Tesla fans such as shareholder Sawyer Merritt echoed the sentiment, calling Unplugged a “great fit within Tesla.” adding, “They are literally located directly next to Tesla’s design studio in Hawthorne.”

Enabling the next wave

Supporters of the idea noted that integrating Unplugged into Tesla’s corporate structure could help accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in government sectors. With UP.FIT patrol cars already in use across some U.S. police departments, Tesla fans envisioned a future where self-driving Teslas could potentially revolutionize law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and public service logistics.

“Just imagine how autonomous patrol cars could transform policing and bring us into a safer future,” the veteran FSD tester wrote.

The benefits could also extend to Tesla’s existing consumer base. “They also have some incredible products in the works that I think will appeal to many ordinary Tesla drivers — not just those looking for performance or mods. Stuff that’s so good it should have come straight from the design studio next door,” Whole Mars Catalog noted.

Unplugged Performance, founded in 2013, shares not just a product vision with Tesla, but also geography. Its Hawthorne headquarters sits directly adjacent to Tesla’s design studio, and the two companies have maintained a close working relationship over the years. The aftermarket firm has long positioned itself as a “mission-aligned” partner to Tesla.

Advertisement

In response to the recent calls for acquisition, Unplugged Performance acknowledged the support from the community. “Our very existence is to support the Tesla mission with @UpfitTesla and @UnpluggedTesla,” Unplugged CEO Ben Schaffer posted on X. “We love working with Tesla and are grateful for the community’s support since 2013!”

Continue Reading

Trending