Here’s an up-close look at the new Tesla Model Y, now in 17 showrooms across US
Last month, Tesla unveiled the new Model Y in the United States, featuring an all-new light bar design, a redesigned rear-end, and a refreshed interior. It’s currently available as a “launch series” model, starting at $59,990 – with deliveries beginning in March.
The new Model Y is currently in 19 Tesla showrooms across North America, 17 in the United States and 2 in Canada. I took the opportunity to head to the one in New York’s Meatpacking District to get some up close photos, as well as share some thoughts.
Design impressions
When the new Model Y was unveiled in China at the start of the year, I wasn’t a huge fan. I was glad that Tesla came up with a unique design language for Model Y, rather than just creating a taller Model 3 once again, but I still wasn’t a fan. The new design felt super busy.
However, as time passed, it’s certainly grown on me. Seeing it in person cemented the fact that this is actually a great design, at least in my book. Could there be some improvements? Sure. Overall though, I welcome all of the improvements and I’m more than happy about the new design.
New Model Y upgrades
The main improvements with the new Model Y include two new light bars, one on the front and one on the rear. Unlike the Cybertruck, the front light bar on the New Model Y isn’t continuous, and instead features a split design. However, that’s for good reason.
On Model Y, the primary headlights are part of the light bar (pieces to the left and right), which isn’t the case on the Cybertruck. The light bar on the Cybertruck is mostly aesthetic, with the actual headlights being near the bumper. Some may think the splits in the front light bar are a design downgrade, but it’s certainly a lot more functional.
Additionally, you have a new rear light-bar that reflects downwards on the road, and gets very bright at night. I didn’t get a photo of this unfortunately, since the showroom is very well lit, but you can see the effect for yourself in videos. It can be pretty cool.
Other than that, the new Model Y has many of the same upgrades from last years refreshed Model 3. You have the ambient LED lighting on the interior, the new dual-pane glass for quieter interiors, new materials on the interior, as well as a display in the back seat for passengers to interact with.
New Model Y also has a front-bumper camera, as well as powered seats in the rear, allowing for customers to fold them down with just the press of a button.
Final thoughts
It’s a nice refresh. For now, Tesla only sells the new Model Y as a “launch series” model, coming in at $59,990 for the Long Range AWD configuration. At this price, you get Full Self-Driving included, the acceleration boost, and the tow package. Launch series models also have a special badge on the rear, alongside a puddle light, a more premium interior, and special “launch” badging around the vehicle.
There’s no word on when RWD or Performance models will be available, but Tesla still sells the old Model Y if you’d like to get one of those trims. There’s some great deals on existing inventory as well.
Gallery
Last but not least, here’s all of the photos I took of the new Model Y! The showroom model was Ultra Red, which is personally one of my favorite colors for this new design. It also comes in Stealth Gray, Pearl White Multi-Coat, and Quicksilver.
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Tesla’s retro-futuristic diner with Superchargers and giant movie screens is ready to open, and I have to admit, it looks pretty sick.
This project has been in the works for a long time.
In 2018, Elon Musk said that Tesla planned to open an “old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant at one of the new Tesla Supercharger locations in Los Angeles.” It was yet another “Is he joking?” kind of Elon Musk idea, but he wasn’t kidding.
A few months later, Tesla applied for building permits for “a restaurant and Supercharger station” at a location in Santa Monica. However, the project stalled for a long time, apparently due to local regulations.
Nevertheless, Tesla still moved forward with a Supercharger at the location, but it had to move the diner project to Hollywood. In 2022, Tesla filed the construction plans with the city, giving us the first look at what the automaker intends to build.
In 2023, the automaker broke ground on the site of the diner.
7 years after being originally announced, the project appears now ready to open:
Musk said that he ate at the diner last night and claimed that it is “one of the coolest spots in LA.” He didn’t say when it will open, but Tesla vehicles have been spotted at Supercharger and people appear to be testing the dinning experience inside.
A Tesla Optimus Robot can be seen inside the diner on a test rack. It looks like Tesla might use one for some tasks inside the diner.
Earlier this year, Tesla integrated the diner into its mobile app – hinting at some interaction through the app – possibly ordering from it.
Electrek’s Take
I think it looks pretty cool. I am a fan of the design and concept.
However, considering the state of the Tesla community, I don’t think I’d like the vibes. That said, it looks like Tesla isn’t prominently pushing its branding on the diner.
You can come and charge there, but it looks like Tesla is also aiming to get a wider clientele just for dining.
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Hyundai’s electric minivan is finally out in the open. The Staria EV was caught without camo near Hyundai’s R&D center in Korea, giving us a closer look at the electric minivan undisguised.
Hyundai’s electric minivan drops camo ahead of debut
The Staria arrived in 2021 as the successor to the Starex, Hyundai’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Although the Staria has received several updates throughout the years, 2026 will be its biggest by far.
Hyundai will launch the Staria EV, its first electric minivan. Like the current model, the 2026 Staria will be available in several different configurations, including cargo, passenger, and even a camper version.
We’ve seen the Staria EV out in public a few times already. Last month, we got a glimpse of it while driving on public roads in Korea.
Despite the camouflage, new EV-like design elements were visible, including updated LED headlights and a full-length light bar. Although it’s still unclear, the electric version appears to be roughly the same size as the current Staria from the side, but slightly wider from the front.
New images posted on the South Korean forum Clien reveal a test car, expected to be Hyundai’s Staria electric minivan, without camo.
Like most Hyundai test cars, the prototype has a black front and a grey body. It still features a similar look to other prototypes we’ve seen, but you can clearly see the new facelift.
Earlier this year, a Staria EV was spotted in a parking lot in Korea, featuring a similar look. The electric version is nearly identical to the Staria Lounge, but with an added charge port and closed-off grille.
The Hyundai Staria EV is expected to make its global debut later this year. Technical details have yet to be revealed, but it’s expected to feature either a 76 kWh or 84 kWh battery, providing a range of around 350 km (217 miles) to 400 km (249 miles).
Hyundai’s electric SUV arrives after Kia introduced its first electric van, the PV5, which launched in Europe and Korea earlier this year.
In Europe, the Kia Passenger PV5 model is available with two battery pack options: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, providing WLTP ranges of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. The Cargo version has a WLTP range of 181 miles or 247 miles.
Source: TheKoreanCarBlog, Clien
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