Modern cars are subjected to all kinds of crash scenarios before they’re legally allowed on US streets, and they protect us far better than an old car ever could. But a higher force must have been protecting the driver of a Model Y in California who walked away from an accident that by all rights should have resulted in a one-way ticket to the morgue.

The images of the wrecked Model Y from the CHP are truly jaw-dropping and show a pre-facelift Model Y doing its best impression of a monorail carriage.

Related: See What Happens When Two Cars Hit A Chinese EV In A Triple Crash Test

The side of the car is entirely undamaged, and you could almost say it looks like it slid sideways against the guardrail, neatly pushing the barrier in. But no, the guardrail isn’t crushed by the car, it’s running literally right through the thing. In the front, right down the center, and out the back.

A Rare Kind of Collision

According to the California Highway Patrol in Los Banos, where the crash took place on I-5, the driver “for unknown reasons” allowed his EV to veer off the road and through the road’s center divide where it crashed into the guardrail. The force of the collision pushed the rail through the Tesla’s nose and then its firewall, before it exited out the rear. Thank heavens no one was sitting in the center seat on the rear bench.

CHP Los Banos

The driver was saved by the conventional two-seat layout up front, but looking at the crumpled state of the rail that’s exited out the back, gives us an idea of the amount of energy that was involved in the collision, and how close they came to getting hurt or killed.

“Lucky for the driver he only sustained minor injuries and was able to walk away,” Los Banos police said in a Facebook post. “Driving a vehicle requires 100% attention to the road. Avoid distractions and focus on driving.”

We don’t know why the driver left the road, but with so much Tesla ADAS technology at his disposal, it should never have happened in the first place. This time he was lucky, but you get the feeling he might have used up all nine lives at once on this incident.

Any investors praying Tesla’s awful sales performance in the first quarter of 2025 was merely a blip have just had their hopes dashed. The troubled automaker announced its Q2 numbers and they show an even bigger year-over-year decline than the ones covering January to March.

Also: A Model Y Drove 30 Minutes To Deliver Itself To Its New Owner

Global deliveries declined 14 percent in Q2, falling from 410,244 to 384,122, making the most recent quarter’s performance marginally worse than Q1’s. For that period Tesla recorded a 13 percent drop after sales sunk by 50,000 to 336,681 units.

Sales Still Centered on Model 3 and Model Y

Tesla didn’t offer a complete breakdown of its Q2 numbers by model or region, but it did reveal that the Model 3 and Model Y accounted for practically all of its sales. The automaker delivered 373,728 Model 3 and Y EVs, and only 10,394 of its other cars, which include the Model S, Model X and Cybertruck, combined. The electric automaker also said it produced over 410,000 vehicles of all types.

Although delivery figures aren’t exactly the same as sales numbers, they’re close enough to give us a solid idea of the problems faced by Tesla, and the buying public’s apathy for its cars. Those problems include widespread dislike of Tesla CEO Elon Musk due to his vocal right-wing opinions and association with DOGE and the Trump administration, which is one of the reasons sales have cratered in Europe in recent months.

TESLA Q2 SALES

Intensifying Competition in China and Beyond

And in China, a key market for Tesla, the American brand is battling against a slew of hi-tech rivals that seem intent on pushing prices downwards to the detriment of profitability. Some of those same Chinese rivals are also now causing Tesla problems in other markets. In April BYD sold more EVs than Tesla in Europe, where the Model Y and 3 are struggling to regain their sales form despite recent facelifts.

Although Tesla’s Q2 performance looks dire, the figures aren’t as bad as some analysts had feared. And Deepwater Asset Management’s Gene Munster predicted the quarter represented a bottoming out for Tesla, which could bounce back in future periods, CNBC reports. Tesla will announced its complete Q2 financial results on July 23.

For much of the past year, Tesla sales have been consistently dropping across major European markets. Unsurprisingly, this downward trend is continuing, although there has been some welcome reprieve for Tesla in a handful of markets thanks to the arrival of the heavily updated ‘Juniper’ Model Y.

The good news for Tesla starts in Norway. In June, Tesla sales jumped 54 percent in the country. The arrival of the new Model Y was a major boost, with registrations increasing 115.3 percent to 5,004 units. Similarly, Tesla sales rose by a considerable 60.7 percent in Spain to 2,632 units. This was also largely down to the new Model Y, with its sales rising 127.2 percent to 1,179 units. Sales in Portugal also rose 7.3 percent.

Read: Europe Keeps Buying More EVs Just Not From Tesla

Despite these strong-performing markets, there was a bloodbath in many other countries. In Sweden, things were particularly bad, with Tesla scoring a 64.4 percent decline last month compared to June 2024. As noted by Reuters, sales in Denmark have also collapsed by 61.6 percent. Despite the new Model Y now being available in Denmark, sales of Tesla’s best-selling model still dropped 31.2 percent to 1,155 units.

Other countries followed the same trend. In France, Tesla sales are down 10 percent, while in Italy, they fell by 66 percent.

Schmidt Automotive reports that Tesla has endured six year-on-year losses in quarterly new registration volumes across Western Europe, and is now staring down a seventh. Tesla’s share of the EV market shrank across the region to 7.2 percent in May, down from the 12.6 percent share it had in May 2024.

While Tesla CEO Elon Musk is no longer a special government employee under the Trump administration, it seems his involvement in politics is still having a major impact on European car shoppers. In addition, an ever-growing number of EVs from China are making their way to local shores, stealing market share from Tesla.

Tesla’s new Model Y only made its debut a few months ago, but faced with flagging sales and aggressive rivals, the automaker is already making changes to make it and the Model 3 more appealing to buyers – specifically Chinese buyers.

Long Range AWD versions of the facelifted Model Y and Model 3 sold in China now go further on a charge and are faster from stoplights thanks to minor tweaks announced this week. Without changing the size of the battery, Tesla now claims the Y can do 466 miles (750 km) on a single charge, up from 447 miles (719 km) under China’s CLTC testing cycle.

Related: A Model Y Drove 30 Minutes To Deliver Itself To Its New Owner

And the Model 3 enjoys an even bigger boost, gaining 25 miles (40 km) to take total claimed range to 468 miles (753 km), though these numbers are Chinese CLTC figures and not comparable with more honest EPA estimates. Tesla quotes 327 miles (526 km) for a US-spec Y LR AWD and 346 miles (557 km) for a Model 3.

The Model 3 is also much faster following Tesla’s spec adjustment, needing just 3.8 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h), rather than 4.4 seconds. It’s not clear how this was achieved, but Car News China speculates it could be because Tesla has made standard the Sports acceleration feature that was previously a ¥14,100 ($2,000) option.

The Model Y is far less speedy, requiring 4.3 seconds. Neither of those acceleration figures matches up with the numbers Tesla advertises in Europe, where the Model 3 claims a 4.4-second 0-62 mph time, but the Y is said to need 4.8 seconds.

The upgrades come at no extra cost on the Model Y, which stickers at ¥313,500 ($43,800), but they add ¥10,000 ($1,400) to the price of a Model 3 Long Range AWD, which is now ¥285,500 ($39,900). For context, the equivalent Model Y in the US is $2,310 cheaper than in China, though only when factoring in the $7,500 federal tax credit, while the Model 3 is just $90 more expensive.

It remains to be seen whether these upgrades will make their way to other markets. Tesla hasn’t confirmed any plans yet, but buyers in Europe and North America will likely be watching closely to see if the same range and performance improvements roll out beyond China.

Tesla

Even as the global car market continues to shift, one thing remains certain: Toyota knows how to move metal. After a brief detour in second place, the Toyota RAV4 is back on top as the world’s best-selling car, edging out the Tesla Model Y by a sliver.

And it’s not just the soon-to-be-replaced RAV4 doing the heavy lifting, as Toyota has managed to land five models in the global top ten, including the Corolla Cross, Corolla sedan, Hilux, and Camry.

More: New RAV4, See Every Angle And Hidden Detail

This ranking comes from industry analyst Felipe Munoz, who compiled a detailed snapshot of 2024’s global car sales by model. His methodology pulls from a wide mix of sources, including national statistics offices, dealership associations, customs data, specialized websites, blogs, other analysts, and informed estimates. According to Munoz, the ranking covers 153 markets, accounting for roughly 99% of all cars sold globally.

Toyota Retakes the Lead, Barely

Combined sales of the Toyota RAV4 and its China-market twin, the Wildlander, reached 1,187,000 units in 2024. That was just enough to slide past the Tesla Model Y, which landed at 1,185,000 units. It’s a narrow win, but a win nonetheless.

It’s important to note that both the RAV4 and Model Y were refreshed shortly after the period covered by this report. Toyota rolled out a full redesign for the RAV4, that hasn’t gone on sale yet while Tesla introduced its updated Model Y Juniper that’s already available.

That said, the Model Y still holds the title for best-selling EV worldwide by a comfortable margin. Its 2025 numbers, however, are already showing signs of slowing.

Compact Crossovers Keep Climbing

The Toyota Corolla Cross occupied the third place with 859,000 sales, benefiting from the fact it is offered in many different markets around the world. The compact crossover was closely followed by the Honda CR-V/Breeze SUV that sold 854,000 units.

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A post shared by Felipe Munoz | Automotive (@carindustryanalysis)

Toyota’s dominance continues with the Corolla / Levin Sedan (697,000 units) in the fifth place and the Toyota Hilux (617,000 units) in the sixth place.

World’s Best Selling Pickup

The aging Hilux is due for a new generation soon, but that didn’t stop it from becoming the world’s best-selling pickup. Despite not being sold in North America or China, two massive truck markets, it still managed to outpace all competitors. Right behind it in the global rankings is the Ford F-150, which sold 595,000 units and claimed seventh place overall. In the US, the F-150 was the second best-selling vehicle of 2024, coming in just behind the RAV4.

More: Cracks Are Beginning To Appear In China’s Largest EV Maker

Rounding out the top ten are three sedans that continue to hold their ground in a market that increasingly leans toward crossovers and SUVs. The Toyota Camry took eighth with 593,000 sales, followed by the Tesla Model 3 at 560,000 and the BYD Qin at 502,000. BYD’s entry marks the only Chinese brand on the list this year, underscoring the company’s steady rise as a global competitor in both EVs and internal combustion vehicles.

Tesla is no stranger to recalls in the United States, but more often than not, its vehicles can be fixed with a simple over-the-air software update. However, that’s not the case with their latest recall, which will require owners to return their cars to a store or service center to be fixed. Making things worse for Tesla is the fact that the recall is for the brand-new 2026 Model Y and Model 3.

A safety report reveals that one or more fasteners joining the seat back to the seat base may not have been torqued correctly during assembly. Owners of vehicles with the defect may now have a loose or rattling seat. Unsurprisingly, the NHTSA and Tesla have determined this poses a safety risk in the event of a crash, prompting a recall.

Read: Tesla Starts 2025 With Recall For 240,000 EVs, Some May Need New Computers

Fortunately for Tesla, the recall only impacts 48 vehicles in the United States, of which just 2.1% are estimated to contain the defect. Cars being recalled include 30 Tesla Model Ys built between April 3, 2025, and May 7, 2025, as well as 18 Model 3s manufactured from Apr 3, 2025, to April 16, 2025.

The NHTSA recall reveals the fault could affect either the driver or front passenger seat, or both. Tesla became aware of an issue on May 12 after it received a customer complaint. It was quickly determined that 2 of the 4 fasteners used to secure the seat back to the seat bottom on the driver’s seat were completely missing.

Tesla claims to have pinpointed the root cause of the issue. It states that on April 2, 2025, a production change at the factory made it possible to manually advance the seat assembly from the backup manual assembly station without the system having to verify that the fasteners were present or torqued correctly.

Owners impacted by the recall will be notified on August 16. Dealers have been instructed to inspect the seat assemblies and, if necessary, replace any missing or incorrectly tightened fasteners.

Tesla has officially entered the deep waters of robotaxi service but is doing so in its own, distinctive way. The service is very limited as of this writing; it comes with a silent Tesla employee in every front passenger seat and consists of Model Ys that were secretly modified. It’s not exactly what you might think at first, but it’s interesting nonetheless.

Elon Musk has several times mentioned that the Model Ys in Robotaxi service are the same ones that everyday folks can buy. According to a new report, that’s not exactly true, and before anyone asks, no, it doesn’t appear that the Robotaxis have a brake built into the front passenger handle. What they do have is another set of safety measures, though.

More: Tesla’s Robotaxi Was Caught Making A Turn It Immediately Regretted

According to Business Insider, Tesla has a program called Halo that modifies these cars. Every autonomous car gets self-cleaning cameras and additional protection for the cameras to keep them from getting damaged. In addition, they have not one but two telecommunications units built into the car, each providing detailed GPS data and allows Tesla’s remote operators to control the car if needed. That said, it’s worth noting that these modifications aren’t all that odd.

Tesla’s system relies so heavily on camera clarity that keeping lenses safe, clean, and in perfect working order is paramount. In addition, the standard Model Y already comes with a telecommunications unit, so in this case, Tesla is simply doubling up, likely to increase redundancy should one become non-operational.

That's a wrap! In the last 36 hours, I've taken a total of 20 @Tesla Robotaxi rides and traveled 92 miles. No interventions, no critical safety issues. All my rides were smooth and comfortable.

Thank you, Tesla, for letting me be a part of this experience—and congrats to the… pic.twitter.com/VNpSUVMuz6

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 24, 2025

It’ll be interesting to see how the court of public opinion rules out on this one. Will it praise Musk for adding safety measures to the robotaxi program, or will it chastise him for not being 100 percent accurate when he said these cars were identical to the ones that the general public can buy?

Optics aside, does it really matter? What does is that people who take a ride in a Tesla Robotaxi can breathe a little easier knowing that the cars come with extra safety equipment built into them. And we wouldn’t be surprised if, at some point in the not-so-distant future, those features make it into Model Ys that we can actually purchase.

👀What an interesting interaction. A Waymo ended up in the wrong lane, and a Tesla Robotaxi handled it like a pro.

No headlines about this will likely be made by mainstream media, of course.pic.twitter.com/I1Qw2GsIFj

— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) June 26, 2025

While some Democratic lawmakers urged Tesla to delay the rollout of its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, the program officially kicked off on Sunday. It’s believed that around 12 Tesla Model Y robotaxis have hit the city streets and are operating in a small, geofenced area. And while the vehicles are indeed driving themselves, the company is keeping a light foot on the accelerator when it comes to public exposure.

Read: Tesla’s Robotaxi Launch Comes With Strict Rules And A ‘Safety Monitor’

Videos from early users, mostly influencers, reveal that each Robotaxi comes with a “safety driver” seated in the passenger seat. Yes, the passenger seat. It’s not entirely clear why Tesla made that choice, except maybe to reinforce the optics of a driverless experience.

After all, someone behind the wheel would be a dead giveaway that the system still needs supervision. Putting them in the passenger seat keeps up appearance, technically driverless, but not totally.

Among the first people to use the service were vetted customers who received early-access invitations from Tesla. As reported by TechCrunch, many of these are strong supporters of the Tesla brand. Evidently, the electric car manufacturer doesn’t yet want the general public to experience the service, obviously aware that mistakes or hiccups with the service could instantly draw a lot of criticism.

A $4.20 Ride with a Side of Caution

Early rides are priced at a very on-brand $4.20 flat rate, and the service runs from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, unless bad weather rolls in. In that case, the robotaxis are grounded. Probably a wise move considering even humans struggle with Texas thunderstorms.

The service appears to operate in a very similar way to Waymo’s. Users need to download a specific Robotaxi app and can then order a ride. Once inside, the vehicle’s rear passenger display will display navigation details and the expected arrival time. Additionally, passengers can control the audio through the rear screen.  

For the most part, the system appears to perform quite well, navigating certain roads in South Austin with relative ease. However, one video shared to YouTube by a TechCrunch reporter shows a Model Y Robotaxi unnecessarily braking and coming to a stop twice, after passing several parked police cars at a nearby crime scene.

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The wait for Tesla’s next high-performance electric crossover is nearly over, and it looks like the final pieces are falling into place. Shortly after our spy photographers snapped a camouflaged prototype at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, a prototype has been filmed completely undisguised while testing in the German Alps.

Read: New Tesla Model Y Performance Breaks Cover, Plaid Wheels And All

It appears this fuzzy, rolling shot of the Model Y Performance prototype was taken by the exterior cameras of another Tesla that was passing by. Just like the prototype we recently spotted, this one also appears to be rocking the same front bumper as all refreshed Model Ys.

The footage, which appears to have been recorded by the external cameras of another Tesla driving nearby, gives us our clearest look yet at the updated Performance trim. Like the refreshed Model Y Juniper we’ve already seen, the front bumper carries over the same design.

Spin around, though, and you’ll see that it has a unique rear bumper. Like the standard Model Y, it’s blacked out, but there are two small diffusers. While their aerodynamic effects will probably be tiny, they do make the Performance easy to pick from lesser versions. A new badge has also been added to the tailgate, likely mimicking the ‘Plaid’ badge found on the Model 3 Performance.

The sporty EV also has some other noticeable changes. For starters, we’re given another look at the 21-inch wheels that will be fitted exclusively to the Model Y Performance. Visible at the rear is also a much larger lip spoiler, giving the Model Y some much-needed sporty appeal.

Then there’s the color. This Model Y looks like it has a unique shade of burnt orange, but that might not be the case. The side cameras of Teslas with the HW3 self-driving computer often make red cars appear orange, reportedly because they lack an infrared cut filter. So, while this tester looks orange, it’s very likely Tesla’s existing shade of red.

In terms of performance, the new model should have the same basic dual-motor system as the Model 3 Performance, delivering 510 hp and 554 lb-ft (751 Nm) of torque. That should allow it to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in just over three seconds. Quick enough to justify the badge, and probably quicker than most owners will ever need.

🔥🔥 New Tesla Model Y Performance spotted uncovered in the Alps!

✅ Sporty rear bumper
✅ New 21” wheels
✅ Carbon fiber rear spoiler
✅ Performance badge

H/t @stenboo pic.twitter.com/Wo7kUm9ZXu

— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) June 20, 2025

The Model Y has been Tesla’s biggest seller, and up until last year, it held the crown as the best-selling vehicle overall. It’s a versatile, practical, fast, and modern crossover. The latest iteration, which launched recently, brings updated styling and interior refinements. Now, there’s talk that Tesla may be pushing the Model Y even further with a trio of seating configurations and potentially two wheelbase options.

The latest scoop comes from Green, a hacker and code sleuth (@GreenTheOnly), who’s made a name for himself digging through Tesla’s software to uncover upcoming features. This time, he found something interesting in Tesla’s software version 2025.14. According to Green, the firmware specifically mentions a six-seat Model Y. This is a big deal, especially since, until now, Tesla has only offered the five-seat version.

More: Tesla Pauses Model Y And Cybertruck Production, But It’s Not What You Think

A seven-seater is coming for sure. We learned that earlier this month, thanks to an email Tesla sent to customers mentioning it. We’ve already seen a version of the seven-seater in the pre-facelift Model Y, where a third row with two retractable seats was available, good for maybe a couple of third graders at best.

The six-seater, however, is a different story. The brand has never sold a six-seat Model Y, so this is all-new for the range. What’s particularly interesting is that while earlier rumors suggested it might be a China-exclusive, the Tesla code hints at it being a global model. Looks like this one’s not just for the Great Wall crowd after all.

That said, we expect it to use a 2+2+2 layout, likely with captain’s chairs in the middle row. The Model X has been available in the past with five, six, or seven seats. In that case, the six-seater was the most expensive of the trio, and that’ll likely be the case here with the Model Y as well. In theory, it should offer the best blend of interior cabin space and ease of ingress and egress.

The much rumored about 6-seater Model Y made an appearance in the firmware.
Unlikely to be China-only as some of the speculations said.

Some weird "slow down to save energy, people typically drive this much slower here to save %%" nav suggestions.

— green (@greentheonly) June 16, 2025

The Long Wheelbase Question

No doubt, stretching the wheelbase of the Model Y would make it even more enticing. It would repeat the same trick used by countless automakers like BMW, Range Rover, and even Chevrolet. A long car provides more cabin space, something so many clamor for in today’s automotive market. That said, the appearance of a six-seat Model Y makes a long-wheelbase version even more appealing.

The entire point of offering a six-seater, rather than seven, is that the third row gets more space. Doubling down on that design objective could very well mean a longer wheelbase. Not A Tesla App also points out that rumors are swirling in China about just such a car. Dubbed the E80 there, it could reportedly add 5.9 inches of total wheelbase length. That’s enough to provide more comfort for the second and third row at the same time.

Tesla has long been the undisputed king of electric vehicles, but even titans eventually face competition. With a controversial CEO in the mix, it’s not exactly shocking to hear that the company is gearing up to pause production of both the Model Y and Cybertruck at its Texas factory. But before you jump to conclusions about poor sales, there’s actually a different reason behind this production halt.

A new report has revealed that Tesla recently informed workers at its Austin, Texas plant that production will be halted on June 30, before resuming the week after. The pause will allow the company to perform maintenance on production lines and make improvements to enable increased production.

Read: Tesla Wants All Of You To Sell Its Cars For Free

As Business Insider points out, temporarily halting production for upgrades is pretty standard practice across the automotive industry. While this move isn’t earth-shattering, it did rattle the market enough to knock Tesla’s stock down by nearly 4%.

Why Tesla Wants to Ramp Up, But Maybe Not for the Cybertruck

The Model Y, which was recently updated, might see an uptick in sales soon, which is likely why Tesla wants to ensure it’s ready to ramp up production. But the Cybertruck? Well, let’s just say Tesla’s ambitions for the electric pickup truck seem to have cooled off – a lot. Earlier this year, the company lowered its manufacturing targets for the Cybertruck, and current production lines are barely running at full capacity.

Musk had famously predicted Tesla could churn out as many as 250,000 to 500,000 Cybertrucks annually, but reality is proving much less ambitious. As of March, only about 46,000 Cybertrucks had been built and sold, despite the pickup’s promising debut earlier in 2024. So while Tesla may be gearing up for a production boost in some areas, the Cybertruck’s road to mass production is still a questionable one. At least for now.

Tesla has long shunned traditional forms of advertising, and for most of the past decade, this approach has worked out well for them. Thanks to Tesla’s often fanatical owners, the power of word of mouth helped them become from a fledgling EV startup to the world’s leading EV brand and comfortably the most valuable car company on the planet.

Read: Tesla Kicks Off First Discounts On Model Y Juniper

But the past year has thrown Tesla a few curveballs, and now it looks like the company is trying to claw its way back into the public’s good graces.

Enter TeslaVision Content

To help reinvigorate interest in the brand, Tesla has announced the ‘TeslaVision Content.’ It’s been launched eight years after the original video contest, where Tesla owners were tasked with creating a homemade commercial. The original contest was won by Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD on YouTube.

According to Tesla, the new contest has been created to celebrate the global rollout of the new Model Y. Owners and fans can submit a video that is 90 seconds or less, “showing how Tesla vehicles give you more in your life – more freedom, more safety, more fun, more convenience.”

Prizes Galore… But Mostly for North America

The winner of the grand prize in North America will walk away with a brand new Tesla Model Y as well as an all-expenses-paid trip to the Gigafactory in Texas. The 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a free trip to the same factory and enjoy a private tour. There are different prizes in other markets. For example, for anyone living in Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, the grand prize is $830 in Tesla Shop Credits.

In Australia, the best fan-made commercial will get a trip to Tesla’s Gigafactory and enjoy a Cybertruck and Full-Self Driving experience. The 2nd place prize is a 2-day Model Y loan and 2 nights’ accommodation at a selected Tesla Destination Charging location. Yes, that’s a real prize. The pleasure of staying at a charging station.

The reason behind the contest is obvious: free promotion. All participants must upload their commercial to YouTube. Additionally, they need to make posts on X and Instagram, tagging Tesla and the words ‘TeslaVision contest.’

The clock’s ticking. All submissions must be in by July 17, with winners announced by August 16. Get creative, because Tesla is counting on you to sell their cars for them.

Lead image Carscoops / Elon Musk White House

While Tesla’s clean-cut image typically favors minimalist design over wild customization, that hasn’t stopped some tuners from giving its EVs a much more dramatic makeover. Japanese outfit T-Demand, best known for modifying Toyotas and Lexuses, has now set its sights on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, bringing with it a distinctively low-slung attitude.

True to its roots, T-Demand has outfitted both Teslas with its signature suspension components, drastically altering their stance. The result? Two EVs that ride far lower than anything that ever rolled off a Fremont assembly line.

More: Toyota Crown Signia Turned Into The Wagon It Was Always Meant To Be

Starting with the Tesla Model Y Juniper, the electric crossover rides on a new set of 21-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in low-profile Nitto tires (245/35R21). Thanks to a custom air suspension setup, ground clearance has been dropped to sports car levels, making the Model Y look more like its Model 3 sibling.

It’s not just lower, it’s also wider in presence thanks to a steep 5.5 degrees of negative camber at both axles. T-Demand didn’t stop there, adding a performance brake kit with 380 mm (15-inch) discs and six-piston calipers for good measure.

Model 3 Highland Goes Even Lower

The Model 3 Highland follows the same theme but takes the specs a step further. It rides on 20-inch alloys paired with stretched 255/30R20 tires, and features an even more aggressive alignment: 8 degrees of negative camber up front, and 9 degrees at the rear.

This sedan also benefits from custom suspension arms (ProArm) and rides on a three-stage height-adjustable air suspension (ProDamper Airsus). In its lowest setting, the belly of the Tesla barely clears the tarmac, making it best suited for Japan’s smooth highways rather than your typical street with speed bumps and potholes.

Both demo cars were built by Man’z Factory and are based on rear-wheel-drive variants. Finished in white with stock body panels and single-motor electric drivetrains, they stick to visual and suspension upgrades rather than chasing performance.

Clean Look, Steep Price

Of course, achieving this extreme stance doesn’t come cheap. The basic air suspension kit, which includes a pressure management system, is priced at ¥780,000 ($5,400). Add the full ProArm suspension components, and you’re looking at an additional ¥1,204,500 ($8,400). The high-performance brake kit adds another ¥1,280,400 ($8,900), and that’s before you add the new wheels and tires.

More: Europeans Are Done With Tesla Except For One Country That Can’t Stop Buying

All the aforementioned prices are before taxes and don’t include fitment. For US customers interested in bringing this Japanese styling stateside, we reached out to T-Demand’s American division for a quote, but have yet to receive a response.

The slammed look won’t win over everyone, especially since it comes at the expense of everyday practicality and doesn’t offer any real performance gains. Still, there’s no question the ultra-low stance will turn heads, and probably spark more than a few double takes, everywhere it goes.

T-Demand

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A post shared by 田中 崇志 (@t.demand_japan)

Tesla’s global sales may be slipping, but not every market is turning cold. In a few corners of the world, the brand is still pulling off unexpected wins. In Norway, for example, where a staggering nine out of every 10 new cars sold is an EV, Tesla sales went berserk, jumping 213 percent in May versus the same month in 2024.

A total of 2,600 Tesla EVs were delivered in Norway in May, according to the Norwegian Road Traffic Information Council (OFV). Unsurprisingly, the boom was led by the launch of the facelifted Model Y, which debuted this spring. The compact SUV has been the country’s best-selling car for three-years running, and this May it took a chunky 16.5 percent market share.

Also: The Once Unthinkable Has Happened To Tesla’s Brand

That was more than double the 7 percent of the second-place finisher, Toyota’s bZ4X, and four times the VW ID.4’s showing (4.2 percent). Tesla’s overall performance in Norway was way beyond the healthy 39 percent sales uplift for all cars sold in the country last month.

The Norwegian government’s pro-climate stance going back 25 years, despite being a huge oil exporter , has helped switch its population on to electric cars even though the country’s winter weather shows off EVs in their worst light. Strong financial incentives and a huge number of available chargers created sufficient demand that Norway is now close to the 100 percent EV goal in 2025 it set out to reach eight years ago. The last few combustion holdouts will be tough to convert, however.

BEST SELLING MODELS NORWAY MAY 2025

Tesla Sales Plunge 67% In France

But other European nations who also had access to the facelifted Model Y and had previously seen the old model become the best-selling car in their country, didn’t replicate Norway’s numbers. In Sweden, which shares a border with Norway, Tesla sales sank by 54 percent to just 503 vehicles. In France, they were down 67 percent to 721 units, data from AAA says.

European sales of Teslas halved as buyers shunned the brand that once dominated sales charts, becoming the first to outperform not just other EVs, but every combustion-engine car. The arrival of stronger competition, both from legacy brands and also Chinese newcomers like BYD is a factor, as is a certain level of disappointment that Tesla’s facelifts to the Model 3 and Model Y don’t go far enough.

But another major reason for Tesla’s weak sales is its declining brand image and public disgust at Musk’s support for right-wing political parties such as Germany’s AfD. In a March poll 94 percent of Germans said they would never buy a Tesla.

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We can all agree that this Tesla Model Y has certainly seen better days. After the driver hit a bright yellow bollard in a parking lot, the passenger-side rear door has been dented and scratched. The plastic fender? Completely ripped off. Oh, and there are some scratches on the rear quarter panel too.

But in the grand scheme of things, it’s not catastrophic damage, just a bit of a rough day for the car. So, naturally, Tesla quoted a repair bill of $11,671, which has understandably left the owner with a few more scratches, this time, on his head.

Read: Tesla’s Cybertruck Costs 30% Less To Insure Than A Model 3

It’s no secret that car repairs have gotten a lot more expensive in 2025 compared to a decade ago, even more so when it comes to EVs. This helps explain why insurance companies are quick to total cars over what seems like minimal damage. Still, the quoted price for this repair is nothing short of insane.

Roughly half of the quoted repair is for labor, totaling $5,486 for a claimed 60.7 hours of labor, working out to be $91 an hour. Now, if you’re the owner of this Model Y, you’re probably doing the math in your head and thinking that it doesn’t look like this car needs 60 hours of labor. But the service center begs to differ.

sgrinavi/Reddit

When presented with a repair bill like this, many car owners would simply let their insurer pay for the repairs, and get on with their lives. However, doing so could cost in the long run. Writing on Reddit, the owner of the car says that if he makes an at-fault claim with his insurance, his premium will increase by $1,000 per year for the next five years. And on top of that, they’ll lose their good driver discount. Oh, and don’t forget that $1,000 deductible they’d need to cough up.

In an ideal world for the owner, the insurer would decide Tesla repair costs are too high and decide to total the car. But, that doesn’t appear likely. As such, the best option is likely for the owner to go to an independent repair shop who can replace the door, fender, and perhaps the quarter panel, likely for far less than Tesla would charge the insurer.

Or, for all the DIYers out there, there’s always the option of fixing it themselves. Used Model Y rear doors can be found for just a few hundred dollars, and a new fender shouldn’t break the bank either. Maybe it’s time to roll up your sleeves.

Guess how much to repair this @ Tesla
byu/sgrinavi inTeslaModelY

Even with regulatory hurdles slowing things down, Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (Supervised) system continues to garner attention, especially when it’s doing things most people wouldn’t expect from an EV. While the company’s rollout in China hit a temporary pause in late March, a few new videos are making the rounds online, showing just how far Tesla’s driver assistance tech can stretch when given a tough challenge.

Two clips in particular stand out. In them, a Model Y is seen navigating a narrow, winding mountain trail, exactly the kind of terrain you’d normally reserve for a rugged 4×4, not a tech-heavy crossover on road tires. Yet here it is, confidently, or at least convincingly, working its way along dirt paths where it arguably has no business being.

Read: Tesla Forced To Halt FSD Trials In China Over New Rules

Originally posted to Chinese social media platform Douyin, the footage has since made its way to other platforms, giving a clearer look at how FSD (Supervised) handles unpaved, unpredictable conditions. The video includes both interior shots and wide angles from a 360-degree camera mounted at the back of the vehicle.

Tight Trails, Nervous Hands

With the FSD system enabled, the Tesla can be seen navigating its way along the dirt path with surprising accuracy. The central touchscreen shows that the camera-based system is able to see where the trail goes and keeps the Model Y well-positioned on the path, avoiding falling down the cliff or hitting any of the nearby trees. Admittedly, it seems like a very stressful experience for the guy behind the wheel, who can be seen positioning his hands just above the yoke, ready to take over at a moment’s notice.

FSD drives on a dirt road up a hillside.🔥

Credit: Douyin AE68 pic.twitter.com/3w0fuy8B7l

— Aaron Li (@boolusilan) May 19, 2025

The second clip from the same video is a little more precarious. As the Model Y continues to work its way up the dirt road, the FSD system fights to keep the car centered, hitting the brakes at random times. At one stage, it begins to quickly accelerate, hitting 28 km/h (17.3 mph) on the tiny path, jumping over bumps in the road, but, remarkably, not crashing spectacularly.

Several other Tesla owners in China have also put FSD through its paces in recent months. In early March, the owner of a white Model X tested out the system along several narrow mountain roads before heading onto city streets and large highways.

To be clear, this isn’t what FSD is built for. Tesla didn’t design the system to go off-roading, and it was never advertised as capable of handling terrain like this. Yet that hasn’t stopped owners from putting it to the test, and for now, the software seems to be holding up. That said, it does raise some obvious questions about liability, overconfidence, and what happens when things don’t go quite as smoothly.

$TSLA

This is by far the craziest FSD footage I’ve seen in China, including narrow and steep mountain roads, city streets so tight only one car can pass, highway toll booths, and rural areas. How amazing FSD does.

Guys, while enjoying the video, you can also check out the… pic.twitter.com/O7TciAG9Qs

— 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑒𝑠 (@CharlesWBoy) February 28, 2025

Tesla’s interiors have always marched to the beat of their own drum – spartan, screen-centric, and unapologetically minimal. If you were holding out for plush armrests and quilted leather seats, well, you were looking at the wrong brand. That said, a little upgrade has quietly slipped onto the scene, and it might just take the edge off that utilitarian vibe.

While the Model 3 and Model Y remain solid choices in the EV market, they’ve never been praised for luxurious cabins. Tesla has always leaned hard into simplicity, choosing clean lines and uncluttered surfaces over traditional comfort cues. But now, there’s a small step toward softness: a new interior option that adds a touch of upscale texture.

Read: Tesla Just Made The New Model Y Leases More Affordable Than Ever

Recently added to the Tesla Shop is a piece of 100% vegan suede finished in black that can be added to the dashboard of the two models. This trim sits behind the steering column and the central infotainment screen, promising to add a nice area of soft-touch material and a slightly more premium feel.

The Tesla Model Y Launch Series actually launched with this same piece of vegan suede trim, but it’s only now available across the rest of the 2024+ Model 3 and 2025+ Model Y line-up. It costs $250 in the US and $345 in Canada and can be added to newly-ordered vehicles and fitted at a Tesla Service Center. Current owners can also order the trim and have it installed at a service center, with fitting costs included in the price.

Typically, this part of the dashboard is wrapped in a standard textile, functional, but far from upscale. The new material is a simple tweak, but for a brand that rarely goes in for interior frills, it stands out. Sort of.

Leasing Deals Too

This month, Tesla has also launched some tempting new US leasing deals for the updated Model Y. It’s now possible to lease a Long Range RWD for $491 a month on a 36-month, 10,000-mile-per-year lease before taxes and fees. Importantly, this deal doesn’t require a down payment. State EV incentives can reduce the lease to under $400, depending on where you live.

For those who’d prefer to finance a new Model Y, Tesla has you covered, too. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive is available with an APR of 1.99%, but does require a down payment of 15% in addition to applicable taxes and fees.

Tesla is pushing hard on its updated Model Y lineup, trimming lease costs and setting an end date for a low-interest financing offer that’s been floating around for a while.

Let’s focus on the lease deal first because it’s the best we’ve seen so far. Earlier this month, Tesla tried to sweeten the deal on the Model Y by releasing the new and more afforable Long Range RWD version.

More: Tesla On FSD Suddenly Swerves And Crashes Into A Tree, Claims Driver

Tesla has reworked the lease terms (likely by reducing the Money Factor / interest rate) so the Long Range RWD can be had for $491 a month on a 36-month, 10,000-mile-per-year lease with zero down, before taxes and fees. That figure drops even more if your state throws in EV incentives. In Massachusetts, for example, a $3,500 state rebate brings the payment down to just $380 a month. Prefer a shorter lease? A 24-month term with the same mileage costs $525 per month before taxes and fees.

Step up to the dual-motor Long Range AWD version and the numbers have been lowered too. Tesla has knocked around $75 off the previous monthly lease rate, bringing it down to $530 per month for 36 months and 10,000 miles. Apply that same Massachusetts incentive and you’re looking at $421 a month. The 24-month lease for this trim is $560.

In terms of financing deals, the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive is still available with an APR of just 1.99 percent. Notably, that deal is available for a minimum down payment of 15% plus applicable taxes and fees for up to 72 months. Those who do need to use the 84-month term are subject to a much less appealing 6.44 percent APR. That has been the case for a little while now, but Tesla is putting a deadline on it. It’ll end after June 16.

Finally, the Long Range RWD version isn’t available with 1.99 percent financing. The best rate available on it right now is 5.49 percent. Granted, the total price difference between the two versions is just $4,000 total so moving up to the AWD variant is probably what Tesla wants customers to do. 

Tesla being Tesla, just because those better APRs expire on June 16 doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. All it takes is a little patience. If inventory doesn’t move fast enough, there’s a decent chance Tesla brings them back, or maybe even throws out a zero percent deal before the year’s over.

Elon Musk might plan on being with Tesla for the foreseeable future, but the board could have a different opinion if sales keep sinking like they have been. The CEO admitted recently that sales in Europe were problematic, and now we have more evidence of that. Tesla’s sales are down across the continent, and the issue appears to be getting worse.

More: The Tesla Model Y Has A New Rival From Toyota That’s Half The Price

It’s no secret that Musk’s divisive actions have led to boycotts and protests. What’s perhaps more surprising, though, is just how dramatically European buyers seem willing to stay away from Tesla. According to preliminary data from market research firm Dataforce, shared with Autonews Europe, the brand’s sales have dropped by over 38% through April, going from 101,677 units last year to just 62,313 this year.

The sales slump looks even worse when you break down the numbers for April alone. Sales year over year for the month fell from 14,696 to just 7,908. That’s a drop off of 46.2 percent. Low-volume cars like the Model S and Model X saw a combined decrease in sales of 69.1 percent, falling from 224 sales in April last year to just 69 this year. It’s not as if the high-volume cars are faring much better either.

Even the Model Y Isn’t Safe

Despite just launching a new and improved Model Y, the brand’s most popular car globally, it’s struggling too. Sales plummeted from 9,704 units in April last year to just 4,743 this April, a staggering 51.1% drop.That’s a devastating number. Tesla mentioned earlier in the year that a sales slowdown would happen for Model Y as production changed from the previous generation to this one. It also confirmed that it’s since finished that switch so this drop isn’t a result of that. Since the beginning of the year, Model Y sales across the EU, U.K., and EFTA countries have dropped by 48.4%. Ouch.

Tesla’s other key player, the Model 3, also saw a huge decline. Sales dropped from 4,768 units in April 2024 to 3,094 last month, a 35.1% decrease.

This would all be a lot easier to swallow for Tesla if sales were down for everyone, but that’s not the case. As Auto News points out, overall sales for all brands were essentially flat in April, with a minor dip of just 0.3% in the EU, U.K., and EFTA countries, down to 1,085,092, or about 4,000 fewer units than in April 2024.

In fact, the European market is actually embracing electrification more than ever this year. Battery-electric vehicle (EV) sales are up 28%, full-hybrid sales are up 16%, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) deliveries have risen by 12%. Meanwhile, sales of non-hybrid gasoline cars fell by 7.2%, and diesel vehicles saw a 19% decline.

It’ll be interesting to see what moves Tesla makes next. As of now, it seems like the company is sticking with its “keep calm and carry on” strategy. But given these numbers, it’s safe to say that strategy might need some serious rethinking.

Tesla’s refreshed Juniper Model Y lineup has already introduced several variants, from the Launch Edition to the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive versions. But if you’ve been holding out for something with more kick, the Performance version is next on the menu. Up until now, we hadn’t seen any confirmed prototypes, but that’s changed. Our spies caught one while it was out testing at the Nurburgring, still under camouflage, of course.

Now, don’t get too attached to this version just yet. This Model Y prototype might not represent the final production model, so some of these features could change on the cutting room floor. Still, here’s what we can confirm from our first look at the electric crossover.

What’s New? Spoilers and Wheels

The most obvious updates are the elongated spoiler on the trunk lid, which closely mirrors the one on the older Model Y Performance, and the chunky wheels, which look strikingly similar to the Arachnid rims found on the Model S Plaid. While we couldn’t check the exact size of the Pirelli P Zero tires, they appear to be 21-inch rims, possibly with a staggered setup, meaning the rear tires are wider than the front.

More: Tesla Debuts Its Cheapest Model Y In The US

Interestingly, unlike the Model 3 Performance, which gets an entirely new front bumper with additional aerodynamic tweaks, this Model Y prototype sticks with the standard bumper. But as we pointed out before, that could change before the car actually rolls off the assembly line.

We couldn’t get a peek inside, but our spies report that there are sport seats up front with added bolstering, likely borrowed from its sedan counterpart. The only other changes we expect over the standard trims are the Performance badges and graphics on the infotainment screen, as Tesla likes to keep things minimal.

Lower Ride Height and Track Features

This prototype also sits lower than the standard models, which makes sense given the performance upgrades. Not only does this improve driving dynamics, but it also gives the car a more aggressive stance, especially when paired with those larger wheels. Tesla will also offer an adaptive damper setup, similar to the Model 3 Performance, allowing drivers to toggle between Standard, Sport, and Track modes.

Also: Tesla Unleashes $2K Upgrade That Makes Your Model Y Juniper Faster In Seconds

Red brake calipers are also visible, and while there’s no official word yet, we’re hoping these signal more capable brakes, preferably ones that don’t overheat after a lap on the track, which has been a common gripe with the Model 3 Performance. For what it’s worth, our spies didn’t spot any dramatic brake failures or fiery moments while the car was tearing it up on the Ring. We’re also expecting some tweaks to the steering system to make things even sharper.

The Actual Performance Part

When it comes to performance, don’t expect any earth-shattering changes. The Model Y Performance should use the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive system as the Model 3 Performance, pushing out 510 horsepower and 554 lb-ft of peak torque, paired with a 79 kWh battery. If the sedan’s 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds (with rollout) is any indication, the new Model Y will be able to hit 0-60 in about 3.2-3.3 seconds, down from 3.5 seconds in the previous 470-hp Model Y Performance. As for range, unless Tesla opts for a bigger battery, it should stick around 290ish miles per charge.

Release and Pricing

While there’s no official launch date (because, well, it’s Tesla) we’re expecting the production version to debut later this year, possibly in the fourth quarter. As for pricing, it should land about $7,000-$8,000 above the Long Range AWD model, which starts at $48,990 before any federal tax incentives. That puts the Model Y Performance somewhere around $55,000, give or take.