Photo: Giorgi Tedoradze on Instagram
Most manufacturers have problems keeping their upcoming models under wraps all the way to the official unveiling date, but not Tesla. You would be forgiven to think Elon Musk sits by the plant's exit, flame thrower in his hand, looking menacing at all the employees passing by with a "you know what you should and shouldn't do" expression on his face.
Still, it sounds like the company is using more socially acceptable solutions to make sure all the information that shouldn't leave the premises stays there, such as keeping sensitive stuff on a need-to-know basis. So far, it's worked just fine with all new models (Model 3, Semi, Roadster, Cybertruck) coming as complete surprises to everyone.
Since we're on the subject, imagine if the Cybertruck got leaked on the Internet ahead of its release. How many people do you think would have taken it to be true? Not many, we suspect, and it's hard to blame them given calling the design of the Tesla truck "radical" is a strong understatement.
Now, though, reports claim that Tesla is working on some new versions of the Model S and X, its two oldest surviving products. The Model S has just turned eight last month and apart from the nose job it received in 2016, not a lot has changed in its design over the years. Even though its styling holds, the S is beginning to show its age and a replacement would definitely be well received by the community.
The X, on the other hand, is considerably younger at not even five yet, so a completely new model is highly unlikely. Plus, exterior design was never the X's strong point, relying more on the falcon-wing doors and the practicality offered by the multiple interior options.
However, inside sources told Electrek that Tesla is working on new versions for both models, though they weren't able to provide more detailed information. Known internally as the "Palladium" project, it's dubbed to bring changes to the powertrain, batteries, and even the bodies of the cars.
It's hard to put all the pieces together due to Tesla's compartmentalization of the information, meaning no one person knows anything about the project outside the jurisdiction of its department, but it sounds like something big is cooking.
It may not be as big as we want it to, though. The fact the company is working on new bodies for the two models is encouraging, but it doesn't necessarily signal big changes. The two Plaid Model S seen on the Nürburgring sported wider tracks, so working on the body could mean nothing more than wider fenders. As for the X, who knows?
We should get more information this September when Tesla scheduled its next event, the so-called "battery day." Given the company's record, we shouldn't expect any leaks until then, so the best thing you can do is enjoy the summer and wait patiently.
Since we're on the subject, imagine if the Cybertruck got leaked on the Internet ahead of its release. How many people do you think would have taken it to be true? Not many, we suspect, and it's hard to blame them given calling the design of the Tesla truck "radical" is a strong understatement.
Now, though, reports claim that Tesla is working on some new versions of the Model S and X, its two oldest surviving products. The Model S has just turned eight last month and apart from the nose job it received in 2016, not a lot has changed in its design over the years. Even though its styling holds, the S is beginning to show its age and a replacement would definitely be well received by the community.
The X, on the other hand, is considerably younger at not even five yet, so a completely new model is highly unlikely. Plus, exterior design was never the X's strong point, relying more on the falcon-wing doors and the practicality offered by the multiple interior options.
However, inside sources told Electrek that Tesla is working on new versions for both models, though they weren't able to provide more detailed information. Known internally as the "Palladium" project, it's dubbed to bring changes to the powertrain, batteries, and even the bodies of the cars.
It's hard to put all the pieces together due to Tesla's compartmentalization of the information, meaning no one person knows anything about the project outside the jurisdiction of its department, but it sounds like something big is cooking.
It may not be as big as we want it to, though. The fact the company is working on new bodies for the two models is encouraging, but it doesn't necessarily signal big changes. The two Plaid Model S seen on the Nürburgring sported wider tracks, so working on the body could mean nothing more than wider fenders. As for the X, who knows?
We should get more information this September when Tesla scheduled its next event, the so-called "battery day." Given the company's record, we shouldn't expect any leaks until then, so the best thing you can do is enjoy the summer and wait patiently.
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