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Tesla is testing new tail lights for the Model S refresh.

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Spotted one out on public roads testing. Managed to snap some (shitty) pictures...
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Actually, I think I like the look of the old rear better, with the "Tesla" bar running across. Makes it look more like a higher end Tesla model, than an entry level M3 SR, for instance. This is purely a cost savings (profit increasing) move, I think.
 
I have a sneaky feeling this change might be done early next year.
It was only just a couple weeks back they starting updating the infotainment chips in the 3/Y (China/EU) to the ones in the new S/X and those changes are already in vehicles being delivered now in NA so maybe this change will come soon too
 
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Actually, I think I like the look of the old rear better, with the "Tesla" bar running across. Makes it look more like a higher end Tesla model, than an entry level M3 SR, for instance. This is purely a cost savings (profit increasing) move, I think.
Sure. A shorter plastic piece saves so much more money than the cost of designing and buying tooling for new lights. Meanwhile they add expensive retractable coat hooks to a car that didn’t have coat hooks before. Also a cost saving move.

/s
 
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For those new to Tesla, I can see this is surprising or upsetting.

Tesla does not bundle updates into annual releases. They update constantly whether that’s stuff you can see or stuff you can’t see.

When you buy a Tesla you should know something “new” could be released the very day you get your new car.

It comes from a software mindset (continuously release new versions and updates) and is part of what makes Tesla what it is.

If you’re uncomfortable with that or would be upset they do that, you will be happier with other companies and cars. I’m not saying it’s good or bad. Just is.
 
For those new to Tesla, I can see this is surprising or upsetting.

Tesla does not bundle updates into annual releases. They update constantly whether that’s stuff you can see or stuff you can’t see.

When you buy a Tesla you should know something “new” could be released the very day you get your new car.

It comes from a software mindset (continuously release new versions and updates) and is part of what makes Tesla what it is.

If you’re uncomfortable with that or would be upset they do that, you will be happier with other companies and cars. I’m not saying it’s good or bad. Just is.

One thing I have loved about my 3 year ownership with the Model 3 was the OTA software update always made me feel I am getting a new car with new features every few weeks.

I get that they don't bundle hardware updates into annual releases. But when they have used a 10-12 year old tail light and come out with a refreshed model, Tesla could have planned this better for the people who got the car last year.
 
They have lots of parts in a Model S that are 10-12 years old. It’s all the same to them.

They were late delivering the refresh but almost a year. Waiting even longer for taillights and headlights (which as far as we know still aren’t in production yet) makes no sense.
 
It seems as if these parts are interchangeable because my service specialist said he will order both headlights and taillights for me as soon as they are available in their system. He was able to order me a plaid spoiler when others told me it wasn’t available so fingers crossed 🤞.
Doesn't quite make sense... For example, the new tail lights mate to a different sized chargeport, so at a minimum, you would need that also. Additionally, there is no black appliqué/bar, meaning the hatch sheetmetal is different (no holes), or there is some sort of thinner, body-colored and shortened version. And, this is just for the tail lights. A similar list can be made of the headlights. So, I think your SA just blew you off, sorry. I hope it's true, but....

BTW, I understand (perhaps incorrectly) that the cost to replace the current crappy headlight unit is approximately $1,200 per side....
 
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