The Tesla Model Y refresh, dubbed “Project Juniper,” has been spotted winter testing without camouflage for the first time in northeastern China.
The most notable changes to the new Model Y Juniper are to the front and rear. Based on a previous leak we already had a good idea of what the rear of the electric SUV would look like, but now we know the front will in fact come with a full-width LED light bar reminiscent of the Cybertruck.
This is a departure from Tesla’s design language for the Model 3 and Model Y, which largely shared the same exterior design, but with the new Model Y it will no longer have the same headlights.
Tesla has also introduced new side vents on the front bumper. We saw hints of these yesterday on what we believed was the first Model Y Performance spotted on public roads, suggesting this may also be the top-of-the-line variant.
The rear of the new Model Y matches what we saw in the previous leak, with another full-length LED light bar running across the trunk lid. With the snow accumulation on the rear it is difficult to make out any other details, but hopefully the rear camera is situated high on the trunk lid as it appears to be completely blocked by the snow in these images.
Although we have yet to see detailed images of the interior, the Juniper refresh will again likely borrow elements from the Model 3 refresh. Expected improvements include vented front seats, ambient lighting, and a second screen for rear-seat passengers, all of which were introduced in the new Model 3.
UPDATE 11:15am PT: The interior images previously posted are from a Model 3 with an aftermarket squircle so we have removed them. However, another image of the door card of the new Model Y has emerged, showing a brand new design unlike that found in any other Tesla vehicle.
Another notable interior change could be the removal of the traditional gear and indicator stalks, replaced by on-screen controls or steering wheel buttons (or Auto-Shift). However, based on the all-new front end, don’t be surprised if there are also some brand new design elements on the inside of the Model Y.
Under the hood, the Model Y Juniper is expected to incorporate advancements in Tesla’s powertrain technology. The new Model Y could be the second Tesla vehicle after the Cybertruck to feature an 800V architecture, which enables faster charging up to 500kW on Tesla’s upcoming V4 Supercharger cabinets.
As production ramps up at Giga Shanghai, all signs are pointing to an official unveiling in the coming weeks. If Tesla follows the same release pattern as it did with the Model 3, the new Model Y will make its way to North America a few months after its debut in China and Europe.
