THE first pictures of the ‘facelifted’ new Tesla have leaked online months ahead of its release.
The project, codenamed ‘Juniper’ has been kept firmly under wraps as the firm looks to revive one of its most popular models.
Tesla is in the midst of revising its best-selling Model Y SUV.
All we knew until now was that the £44,000 EV would be refreshed at some point next year.
CEO Elon Musk previously ruled out the refreshed model’s debut before the end of 2024.
Back in June he posted to X, which he also owns, saying: “No Model Y ‘refresh’ is coming out this year.
“I should note that Tesla continuously improves its cars.
“So even a car that is 6 months newer will be a little better.”
However, fans have now been granted a first look at the Juniper Model Y after a pair of spy pictures were leaked online.
The first of the hastily-taken snaps show a new full-width light bar embossed with the Tesla name running along the sleek black boot, with a small camera hidden within.
A second shot, this time of the interior, only shows the edge of the dash and the new door design, which is similar to that of the Model 3.
The car clearly isn’t finished, with loose wires hanging out under the glovebox, and the finer details are hidden under black covers and cladding.
However, some Tesla enthusiasts were less than pleased with the preview, with one calling for the anonymous whistleblower to be sacked.
They said: “Whoever leaked these photos of the new design of the Tesla Model Y refresh (Juniper) should be immediately fired.”
Another added: “I’m conflicted because I agree with you, but also like seeing the pictures.”
Tesla has been contacted for comment.
It comes after a £250,000 supercar was seized in central London after the driver broke a little-known road law.
