In what may be the last place you would expect to see a refresh Tesla Model S before deliveries begin, a prototype version of the flagship sedan was spotted today in Toledo, Ohio.
The prototype was found in the parking lot of the Toledo Service Center by a member of the Tesla Owners Club of Michigan Facebook group (via Reddit). Despite only sharing two pictures, the white Model S gives us our first glimpse of the newly designed interior, and it has some surprises.
The biggest surprise is that there is no yoke steering wheel. According to the person who took the photos, the staff at the Service Center confirmed the unconventional steering wheel was going to be an option.
Last month we reported the option was hidden in the source code of the Design Studio, but it still has not made an appearance.
While it does have a round steering wheel, the gear selector and wiper stalks are still missing. Thanks to some hi-tech Dymo labels, we get to see the placement of the ‘Park’, ‘Reverse’, ‘Neutral’, and ‘Drive’ gear selector buttons on the center console.
We can also see the touch controls on the steering wheel for the turn signals and headlights is well used thanks to the fingerprints on the glossy finish. In images posted to Tesla’s website, the yoke steering wheel appears to have more of a matte finish.
Tesla’s website also says the new 17″ horizontal display can tilt left and right. The picture quality is not the greatest, but it appears to be flush with the dash with little room for movement.
If you’re wondering, that’s not a new cupholder. That’s a paper cup covering the emergency shut-off button found in their prototype vehicles.
Do you spot any other changes? Let us know in the comments below.
