Model S
Exploring Details Behind the Tesla Model S Update
After four years on the market, Tesla has quietly released a new styling update for the Model S aligning it with the design found on the Model X and Model 3 prototype. The most noticeable exterior update is the new front-end of the Model S which looks most like the front-end of the Model X.
The Updated Tesla Model S Is Gorgeous
Official photos just released from Tesla confirm the leaked images we saw earlier, showing a mildly-refreshed Model S that replaces the outgoing Model S’ glossy black ovoid grille-replacement panel with the more subtle ‘moustache’ seen on the Model X.
Model X
Tesla Recalls Model X For Rear Seat Safety Issues
The recall will see the deficient 3rd row seat removed and the back portion replaced (with new units in production now). Fortunately for Tesla, fault lies with the supplier Futuris, and they will be picking up the expense for the repair. No live/on-road incidents have resulted/been reported due to this defect to date. Jon McNeil, Tesla President of Sales and Service, expects the repair to take about 2 hours and he expects it will take the company about 5 weeks to complete the repairs to all 2,700 affected Xs.
Tesla Model X gets new 75D base version, replacing 70D that was never built
The EPA-rated range of the new base Model X, known as the 75D for its battery capacity and Dual-motor all-wheel drive, is now 237 miles, up from 220 miles for the 70D version. And in line with the price increases of roughly $1,500 on every version of the Model S that were announced yesterday, the new base Model X rises $3,000, to a new base price of $83,000 (plus a $1,200 delivery fee).
Tesla Model X Bioweapon Defense Mode VS Manure
“We were in the Tesla Model X driving west of Gila Bend in Arizona/US when we suddently felt this strong smell of manure. I grabbed my camera and enabled the bioweapon defense mode. The fans went full speed and created a pressurised cabin. Normally, any smell inside the car will take several minutes to clear. But with the bioweapon defense mode, the smell disappeared within seconds. Very impressive!”
Model 3
66% Of German Poll Respondents "Want To Have" A Tesla Model 3
Recently, German site Autobild posted a Tesla model 3 poll, and it seems Germans are also decently enthralled with Tesla’s latest EV offering. In total some 66% of 13,150 respondents checked the box entitled – “Great, I want one”. Considering the rather weak reception of electric cars in Germany, these poll results are impressive, nonetheless wanting to have one and actually ordering is not the same thing.
Recent Tesla hire might have spoiled one of the Model 3’s biggest surprises
BGR has learned that Tesla recently hired Milan Kovac, the former principal engineer over at Skully Systems. In case you’re unfamiliar, Skully is the company behind a futuristic motorcycle helmet with a built-in heads up display (HUD). While Tesla hires talented engineers all the time, Kovac’s background is particularly interesting given the recent unveiling of the Model 3 and its curiously sparse dashboard.
Tesla Vice President says Model 3 reservations are ‘approaching 400,000’, real success will be delivery
O’Connell shared a quick update on the increasing number of Model 3 reservations Tesla has been receiving since unveiling the vehicle last month. After a week, Tesla confirmed in a blog post having received 325,000 Model 3 reservations, another week later, O’Connell now says that “something approaching 400,000 people” have already reserved the vehicle.
Other News
Tesla’s latest update turns the road into Mario Kart-style rainbows
The latest hidden feature is particularly amusing. It changes the animation of the road detected by the Autopilot to a Mario Kart-style rainbow road. Here’s a video posted by a Model S P85D owner earlier today
Got to love Tesla's sense of humor with Easter eggs like this.
Promotion
Ride the Lightning: Tesla Motors Unofficial Podcast
If you listen to podcasts on your commute or run, check out Ryan McCaffrey's unofficial Tesla Motors podcast. He publishes the podcast every week and he does a great job.