Everyone has been waiting for the arrival of the Tesla Model Y Juniper, which is said to be a refresh of Tesla’s popular electric SUV. The Tesla Model Y series has been regarded as one of the global market’s best-selling electric vehicles, so this new Model Y Juniper is critical. Model Y combines the affordability of Model 3 and the practicality of Model X, making it a very appealing option for newcomers to the EV industry.
Tesla recently started testing the refreshed Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” at its Shanghai factory, and now we finally got our first glimpse at the Model Y Juniper Performance/Plaid version in the US state of South Carolina.
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Tesla Model Y (Juniper) Performance Exterior
The latest product from the Tesla line is the Tesla Model Y Juniper (Plaid), and there are new images that have been released that show the car’s design and additional features it now has. However, as they often are, the real design turns out not to resemble the expected conceptualization, especially in terms of the rear light bar.
The most noticeable change in the Model Y Juniper is in the rear as the system used is now an integrated full-width light bar that links both taillights. It’s different from the existing Model Y and from the Cybertruck, although the latter was believed to contribute to this design’s design. Previous models have a cumbersome look, while the Juniper model reduces its thickness to fit Tesla’s new aesthetic direction.
Aerodynamic Design
Most of the aerodynamic features of Model Y have undergone a change, including the rear spoiler which is unlike the Model 3 Performance. Not only does this special spoiler support the sporting appeal of the car, but it also has the aesthetic advantage of being aerodynamic, which is essential for electric cars if they are to aim at being efficient and powerful.
The range of configurations offered for the new Model Y Performance/Plaid is expected to have a modern and flowing design in line with the general Tesla design language. While the prototype was heavily camouflaged during its recent spotting, several design elements can be inferred.
Exterior Styling
It also maintains the general outlines of the Model Y compact crossover but could see the front and rear end reworked. These changes could be more severely creased and/or bulky than previous models emphasizing a sportier, macho image. A full-width rear light bar seems expected, as seen in many other Tesla cars improving visibility and sleekness.
Brawny and stylish wheels are standard – with the Performance version wheels measuring 21 inches in diameter, providing aesthetics and better control. The spy shots also imply that although some wheels may be inherited from earlier generations, it is possible to see new ones.
Tesla Model Y (Juniper) Performance Interior
On the inside, the Model Y Performance Plaid might have some high-quality materials, such as perforated leather or leatherette seating and door inserts, and suede look alike. An LED thin strip at the base of the dashboard will help to introduce the spirit of sophistication and make the atmosphere inside cozy.
Infotainment System
The center of the interior is the familiar large 15-inch display that runs nearly all of the car’s functions, including navigation, multimedia, and climate control. Although this system gives a product appearance that enhances integration, it has drawn criticism for being an interference to most operations because they are touch control based.
Technology and Features
Tesla is known for its cutting-edge technology integration, and the Model Y Performance/Plaid will be no exception:
Safety Features: Tesla vehicles normally perform well in safety ratings, and this Model Y is also designed to be safe. Other parameters like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Autopilot will be expected to be part of the car for the safety of the driver during his drives.
Charging Infrastructure: Since Model Y owners are endowed with access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network, they can easily travel great distances. The availability of touchscreen navigation with route planning for charging on Supercharger stations, such as the one shown in the image above, and the overall capacity to add up to 151 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes at these stations makes this electric SUV very valuable to anyone who is giving it some thought even if the initial investment is high.
Model Y (Juniper) Performance vs Standard Model Y
The new Tesla Model Y Juniper plaid version is said to feature several enhancements compared to regular Model Y vehicles.
Performance Upgrades
The Juniper Performance variant is expected to deliver around 510 horsepower and 471 lb-ft torque. This will significantly enhance the acceleration and overall driving experience of the vehicle compared to the standard model. Thanks to such powerful motors, the performance is expected to achieve 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, which is much faster acceleration than the standard Model Y.
Battery Capacity
The performance variant is rumored to feature a 95 kWh battery pack system, which could provide significantly greater range and power than the existing battery options of the Model Y vehicles.
Thanks to the updated battery management, the performance variant may offer a range upto 500 miles, depending upon the configuration. However, there are chances that the range might take a hit since the focus is on performance and power. The performance variant is also speculated to feature specific aerodynamic wheels.
Tesla Model Y Juniper to Feature 95 kWh Battery with 500-Mile Range
Suspension System
Suspension System: The Performance model would retain the upgraded suspension system and most probably new adaptive dampers would be provided in the Performance model to give it an edge over the standard car’s rather basic suspension setup.
Infotainment System
While both the standard and performance model will benefit from a great infotainment system, the Performance variant might include additional features and optimizations tailored for a more engaging driving experience.
Market Positioning
The Model Y Performance/Plaid is perfect for Musk to devise, as the market competition in the electric SUV segment is entering a phase of intense competition. Competitors such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 are only in the same space fighting for their share of eyeballs. With the new model, Tesla wants to show that it is and remains one of the leaders in the segment and to attract buyers interested in both practical and sporty cars.
All in all, the Tesla Model Y Performance/Plaid is one of the most interesting novelties on the Tesla platform. That said, with future design variations, improving the gross performance features, and advanced technology features, Tesla is bound to present the power and flexibility of the Model Y while not compromising on utility. Traction builds around this impressive electric SUV as more and more details come out as it gears up to hit the market any time soon.
Conclusion
As always, Tesla has kept quiet on news of possible changes to the new Model Y Juniper lineup. The spy photograph in South Carolina and others sites are the only proof, but Tesla’s record of being the first in the industry means that they might be a surprise. A Plaid version of the Y model will be reasonable, as Tesla continues to expand its product capabilities and push the boundaries of electric cars.
Of course, the Tesla fans might have to put up with wait-and-see if the rumors come true. However, if the Model Y Plaid can indeed happen, then it would be a real sport-changing move in the electric crossover market making the EV segment an even more desirable one globally.
