Connect with us

News

Tesla Model Y Performance zips around Nurburgring with new features

With the performance, there are some improvements to interior aesthetics, but the goal with this particular trim of Tesla vehicles is to improve performance and aerodynamics, bringing a truly first-class experience to one of the best and fastest vehicles on the road.

Published

on

Credit: Wilco Blok on Instagram

The long-awaited Tesla Model Y Performance has been spotted zipping around the famed Nurburgring in Germany, a popular location for new vehicles to test their limits ahead of public release.

Earlier this year, Tesla executives Franz von Holzhausen and Lars Moravy both indicated that the updated and upgraded Model Y Performance would be on its way by the end of 2025, and it appears that time is coming close.

New images captured by Wilco Blok and Teslaplaidtokde on X show the Model Y Performance wrapped in camouflage, sporting a handful of new features as the lightning-fast version of the world’s best-selling vehicle prepares for a launch in various markets across the world:

New Features

According to Blok and Teslaplaidtokde, the new Model Y Performance will feature a variety of new improvements compared to the past version.

This is something that was expected, as the launch of the new Model Y over the past year has shown various changes that made a great vehicle even better.

Advertisement

With the performance, there are some improvements to interior aesthetics, but the goal with this particular trim of Tesla vehicles is to improve performance and aerodynamics, bringing a truly first-class experience to one of the best and fastest vehicles on the road.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ᴡɪʟᴄᴏ ʙʟᴏᴋ (@wilcoblok)

Here’s what was mentioned as changes so far that have been seen on this test mule at Nurburgring:

Advertisement
  • New 21″ wheels
  • All black headliner, a big change that was included in the Model Y L, the first time a Model Y has had that option
  • Updated brakes
  • Bucket seats that appear to be similar to the new Model Y L in China
  • New Carbon Fiber Spoiler
  • Performance Badging
  • Changes to both the front and rear bumper
  • Suspension with Adaptive Dampers

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ᴡɪʟᴄᴏ ʙʟᴏᴋ (@wilcoblok)

Expected Performance Metrics

These are not official figures, but this is what is expected based on what has been seen at the Nurburgring:

  • 510 horsepower
  • 0-60 MPH in 3.2-3.4 seconds
  • 280-290 miles of range
  • Anticipating the release of a new Track Mode

The previous iteration of the Model Y Performance featured 503 horsepower and a 0-60 MPH of 3.5 seconds. It also had a top speed of 155, which we believe will be improved with the next version of the Y Performance.

Here is some footage of the Model Y Performance running around the Nurburgring ahead of its release:

Advertisement

Tesla has not yet listed any date or timeframe for the Performance variant to be released. However, it is anticipated to be released by the end of 2025.

Joey has been a journalist covering electric mobility at TESLARATI since August 2019. In his spare time, Joey is playing golf, watching MMA, or cheering on any of his favorite sports teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, Miami Heat, Washington Capitals, and Penn State Nittany Lions. You can get in touch with joey at joey@teslarati.com. He is also on X @KlenderJoey. If you're looking for great Tesla accessories, check out shop.teslarati.com

News

Waymo responds to shocking video that would have gotten Tesla FSD crucified

As per Waymo, there is actually a pretty good reason why one of its self-driving cars ended up driving around a golf course.

Published

on

Credit: @JeffTutorials/X

Waymo has provided some clarification on a video that has been spreading recently on social media. The video, as hilarious as it was, would likely have resulted in Tesla getting crucified if a Robotaxi running FSD had been involved instead.

As per Waymo, there is actually a pretty good reason why one of its self-driving cars ended up driving around a golf course.

The viral video and Waymo’s response

This weekend, a video emerged on social media showing a Waymo self-driving car driving around a golf course. Unlike other Waymos, this particular vehicle was operating on the grass itself, just a few meters away from people. Spectators could be heard laughing in the video as the Waymo slowly drove over the golf course.

Amidst speculations online, Waymo has stated that the vehicle in the viral video was actually operated by a human driver. In a post on social media platform X, Waymo’s official account clarified that the vehicle was not self-driving at the time the video was taken. “Hey there, this was a human-driven car, getting ready for an event at the Penmar Golf Course,” Waymo wrote in its X post.

Had a Tesla been involved…

The video caught a lot of attention among Tesla enthusiasts, with many stating that such a video involving a Robotaxi could have easily crucified the electric vehicle maker in the media. It is no secret that Tesla receives overwhelmingly negative media coverage, so even a small scratch on a Robotaxi or other minor incidents on the road tend to result in dramatic headlines. 

Advertisement

Had a Tesla running FSD been spotted operating on a golf course just meters away from people, calls for banning Robotaxis and headlines about the self-driving cars nearly killing golf players would have been abundant. The news would probably have been international as well, with dramatic media hosts allocating notable portions of their shows to the alleged dangers of Teslas and FSD, or why Elon Musk was directly responsible for the incident.

It’s an insane scenario, but anyone who’s followed the Tesla story for years would know it is feasible. 

Continue Reading

News

Tesla unveils charging innovation that will make the Semi instantly successful

The V4 cabinet Supercharger is an innovative solution that could very well make the Tesla Semi instantly successful.

Published

on

Credit: Max de Zegher/X

Tesla North American Charging Director Max de Zegher recently shared some insights about the company’s V4 cabinet Superchargers, which are currently being deployed today. 

As per the charging executive, the V4 cabinet does not only usher in a new era of fast charging for the company’s consumer vehicles. It is also an innovative solution that could very well make the Tesla Semi instantly successful when it starts being produced in meaningful volumes next year.

V4 cabinet Superchargers

In a recent post on X, the official Tesla Charging account announced that the first V4 cabinet Supercharger is now live. The V4 cabinet Supercharger paves the way for 0.5 MW and 3X power density, with two stalls per cabinet. Tesla Charging also noted that the V4 cabinet Supercharger offers higher throughput, higher efficiency, lower cost, and faster deployments. 

In a follow-up post, de Zegher highlighted that the V4 cabinet is nothing short of a masterpiece. He also revealed that the technology used in the V4 cabinet Superchargers will enable 1.2 MW charging for the Semi. 

“It might be odd to get so excited about a white box, but the V4 cabinet is a charging masterpiece: AC in, 16 trays of power electronics, DC out. This is the tech that will make 1.2MW charging for Semi, and 0.5 MW charging for cars, ubiquitous around the world,” de Zegher wrote in his post on X.

Advertisement

Tesla Semi ramp

The Tesla Semi has the potential to be the company’s most disruptive vehicle in its lineup. However, its success will likely be limited by how far the Class 8 all-electric long hauler could travel. With this in mind, it is pertinent for the Semi to have charging stops set up across the globe. Only then could it truly become a legitimate alternative to diesel long-haulers, including those engaged in cross-country routes.

If Tesla could successfully ramp the deployment of its V4 cabinet Superchargers, the company could all but ensure that the Semi is usable for ultra-long distance routes right out of the gate. That could effectively change the transportation game. The Tesla Charging executive seemed to hint as much in his X post, with de Zegher stating that the V4 cabinet Supercharger could be configured for 1.2 MW for the Semi.

When asked if every V4 cabinet Supercharger will have 1.2 MW with 8 stall support, the Tesla Charging executive noted that “1.2 MW config for Semi. For cars it can be configured as either 1.2 MW or 1 MW efficiently shared across 8 V4 post.”

Continue Reading

News

Lucid CEO shades Tesla Model S: “Nothing has changed in 12 years now”

As per the interim CEO, Lucid is actually seeing quite a bit of business from former Tesla owners.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla

Lucid Motors’ interim CEO Marc Winterhoff recently shared some of his thoughts on rival EV maker Tesla, which is arguably the world’s undisputed leader in electric cars. As per the interim CEO, Lucid is actually seeing quite a bit of business from former Tesla owners. 

Winterhoff noted that part of this is due to the Tesla Model S, which has gotten very long in the tooth.

Lucid CEO’s remarks

During his interview with the Financial Times, the Lucid interim CEO admitted that the company is climbing an uphill battle. He also discussed Uber’s increasing stake in Lucid, as well as the rid-hailing giant’s order for 20,000 units of the Lucid Gravity, a competitor to the Tesla Model X. The executive highlighted that Lucid’s next stage will hinge on the release of its affordable Model Y fighter as well, which should cost about $50,000. 

Most interestingly, Winterhoff stated that Lucid is actually seeing a boost in sales from Tesla owners who have been turned off by the company’s aging lineup and Elon Musk’s political activities. “We have seen an uptick, that’s definitely the case, in Europe and also here in the US,” Winterhoff stated. 

The Lucid interim CEO specifically pointed to the Model S as an example of Tesla’s aging lineup. As per the executive, the Model S age is one of the reasons why customers are looking for other options, like the Lucid Air. “The Model S, nothing has changed in 12 years now. . . (customers) are actively looking for other options,” he said. 

Advertisement

Tesla Model S and Model X

In a way, the Tesla Model S and Model X are indeed long in the tooth, though Winterhoff’s comment about the all-electric sedan not changing for 12 years is inaccurate. The Model S received its Plaid upgrade in 2021, and it was refreshed earlier this year. While the car itself still has a similar body as its first iteration, practically everything under the hood and inside the cabin of the Model S has changed over the years.

That being said, sales of the Model S and Model X have fallen significantly since their peak. Thus, it would be a good idea for Tesla to put some effort and love into making its flagship sedan and SUV more attractive to consumers. For now, Tesla is putting in some effort into the two vehicles, as shown in the “Luxe” package it recently released for the Model S and Model X.

Continue Reading

Trending