A Deep Blue Metallic Model S with a refreshed interior, including the wraparound wood door trim, revised instrument cluster display and horizontal center touchscreen, and Tesla’s highly-anticipated Yoke steering wheel, was spotted in downtown Redwood City in Silicon Valley on Saturday.

Photos captured by The Kilowatts reveal a Model S with manufacturer plates, indicating that the company may be in the final stages of public testing before rolling out the updated steering wheel design to production vehicles.

Photos by The Kilowatts

Notable in the photos of the Yoke steering wheel is the absence of a traditional stalk and Tesla’s familiar dual scroll wheels. While Tesla has showcased the capacitive touch functions in illustrations for the Model S and Model X refresh steering wheel, markings for turn signals and drive functions were not visible in the release candidate that was spotted.

What appears to be a production-ready driver and passenger section of the Model S, a refined rear passenger area, clad in Tesla’s famed Vegan white interior and highlighted by the company’s newest rearseat touchscreen display, was clearly evident.

The devil is in the details pic.twitter.com/CQheNrPy3o

— The Kilowatts (@klwtts) February 27, 2021

In the photos shared by The Kilowatts, the button for folding-down the Model S split rear seats can also be seen, along with a more prominent side repeater camera.

Tesla revealed new images of the 2021 Refreshed Model S and Model X earlier this year following months of speculation that the company would be updating the aging interior design of its flagship vehicles.

Tesla teases Model S Plaid with refreshed interior: New touchscreen, Roadster steering wheel, and more

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An image of the refreshed Model S front seats can be seen in Tesla’s updated online configurator. They appear flatter than the previous iteration, with the headrest looking more integrated with the backrest, and seat bolsters that appear to be wider. These enhancements bring it closer to the front seat design of the Model X, if not the same.

But beyond the adjustments to comfort and aesthetics, there are other good reasons for the update.

The Model S Gen 1 seats used between 2012 and Q4 of 2014 featured variations of standard leather, textile and performance seats. With reports from owners citing poor lateral support and seats being too firm, Tesla rolled out a second-generation seat in late 2014 through 2015, which had larger bolsters and headrests. The Gen 3 or Next Gen Seats was introduced in 2015 that featured a more sport-like design, with flatter headrests and more pronounced bolsters. These would later be superseded by Tesla’s very own Gen 4 seats, known as Tesla Premium seats that were produced in-house from its new seat factory at the time.

To reduce risks due to supplier constraints that ultimately lead to production bottlenecks, Tesla resorted to bringing production in-house as much as possible, beginning with Model 3. Tesla in its 2018 Q4 update, reported that its manufacturing teams were able to hurdle the bottlenecks and were able to stabilize Model 3 production at high volumes, making headway to become one of the best-selling passenger cars in the United States.

In addition to finding efficiencies in Tesla’s manufacturing process, being able to share components between the company’s line of products also significantly reduces the number of variants customers can order, thereby also streamlining the production line itself.

In the future, Tesla might also introduce new seating material as hinted by a new patent for a fibrous foam architecture that may further streamline the production process by doing away with more laborious and antiquated manufacturing processes.

Tesla Model S is set to undergo a significant powertrain update in late 2020 when the track-ready Plaid variant goes into production. It will have three electric motors and improved cooling architecture that will not be prone to power throttling issues as more commonly found with the P100D trim. Musk noted on Twitter that the Plaid Model S will be expensive but cheaper than the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, which begins at $180,000 before options.

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The submitted patent explains that the current materials used for cushioning in traditional vehicle seats include foam made from polyurethane, a material that is not able to be recycled and may not be the most comfortable due to its lack of breathability. Manufacturing the foam is also a time-consuming and laborious process that involves the pouring and mixing of numerous chemicals, like polymer or epoxy, into a mold. After setting, this requires additional material to be trimmed and shaped, thereby creating unnecessary waste that Tesla’s fibrous foam architecture hopes to eliminate.

The background of the patent states, “Trim to foam assembly may include hog ring, hook and loop, and/or clipping methods. In such methods, alignment tolerances may need to be maintained, mating surface limitations may need to be met, trenches and stitches may need to be provided and so on. Glue application storage and handling may also be required. Current manufacturing processes may be labor-intensive and time-consuming.” This would improve the production and quality of backrests, armrests, leg-rests, and bolsters.

Tesla is looking to improve upon its vehicle’s interior, as it suggests “there is a need for an improved foam architecture and associated manufacturing process that overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.”

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A similar HVAC control system has already been rolled out by Tesla in its compact electric sedan, the Model 3. The Model 3 uses two intersecting planes of air for vertical control. Lateral fins hidden within the electric car’s dashboard provide horizontal air control while also providing a clean, minimalistic look. Tesla’s filed patent describes features that are similar to Model 3’s air vent system that’s controlled through its 15″ center touchscreen. Patent US2017 / 058015 titled “Infotainment System with Air-Vent Control,” describes a system to manipulate the airflow inside the vehicle through the vehicle’s media control unit. 

The air vent assembly includes a first vent portion placed in front of the driver and a second vent portion that is placed in front of the passenger. These vent portions may be elongated as compared to traditionally known designs of air vent assemblies in that they have longer, more linear vents instead of more circular or boxy vents.

Embodiments of the present disclosure enhance the capabilities of this air vent assembly to provide air flow in a leftward, rightward, onward, and a split configuration using a single rotary actuator. In certain embodiments, the user interface may also allow a user to define the degree to which the vents may cause air to flow in the rightward, leftward, or split direction. 

Similar to Model 3’s unique HVAC system, the one described in the patent application also allows passengers to customize the airflow within the vehicle according to passenger preferences. 

In certain embodiments, the user customizes the airflow, for example, the specific direction of the airflow. This can allow for a more comfortable experience for the occupants of a vehicle. For example, certain occupants may desire for air to be directed towards themselves while other occupants may desire the temperature of the vehicle cabin to be set to a certain value without having air directly impinging on themselves.

An illustration of Tesla’s recent patent on an infotainment-controlled HVAC system. [Credit: World Intellectual Property Organization]

With anticipation running high that Model S and Model X is due for a refresh, an update to its HVAC system would not only unify the dashboard design across its fleet of vehicles but could also simplify production. For one, Tesla’s unique air vent system requires less hardware and thus minimizes the need for multiple suppliers. Using a simpler design, Tesla’s thinner HVAC system can efficiently utilize space in the dashboard, and provide a much more expansive interior feel. Such a system, as proven by the Model 3, would also give drivers better road visibility.

While Tesla’s international patent application did not specifically mention a vehicle model, illustrations included in the document resembles the design of the Model S and Model X’s dashboard. Figure 1, for example, features a dashboard that is similar to the all-electric luxury sedan and SUV. Apart from a similar-looking instrument cluster and infotainment system, the illustration also features a dashboard curvature that’s aligned with that of Model S and Model X’s current design. Armrest cupholders located between the front seats at the bottom of Fig. 1 also draws resemblance to ones found in the Model S and Model X.

Adopting an HVAC system that’s akin to the Model 3 for the Model S and Model X would likely be a welcomed change for Tesla enthusiasts. During his testing and teardown of the vehicle earlier this year alone, Detroit veteran Sandy Munro, who issued a harsh critique of the electric car’s build quality, admitted in a later comment that the Model 3’s HVAC system was “brilliant,” citing its simple yet ingenious design. 

Aside from major refreshes, Tesla continues to improve the components of its vehicles over time. As revealed by Elon Musk in a recent conversation with Consumer Reports’ Jake Fisher, the Tesla CEO noted that improvements have been rolled out to the Model 3 since its production began, from better interior materials that reduce road noise to a software update that improves the vehicles’ controls. Tesla’s flagship Model S and Model X are no strangers to this, and a revamped HVAC system can only improve the experience for its driver and passengers.

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Musk’s Model S A/C advice was posted on Twitter after Pittsburgh, PA resident Matthew Feinman stated that his kids ended up dehydrated and drenched in sweat after spending around 20 minutes sitting at the rear of the full-sized electric sedan. Feinman also noted that the electric car’s air-conditioning was maxed out during the drive, but there seemed to be no air circulation in the area where his children were.

In classic Musk fashion, the Tesla CEO responded to the Model S driver’s observations, advising that turning off the car’s air circulation can help keep the third-row seats cool during drives. Musk also provided a brief explanation of the airflow design of the Model S’ third-row seats.

“If there is anyone in the third row, turn off air recirculation. Third-row cooling happens by air entering from the front and exiting through the vents in the rear bumper.”

Feinman was grateful for Musk’s immediate response to his observations, stating that the CEO’s air-conditioning tip did not seem to be in the Model S’ owner’s manual. The Model S driver further noted that a nearby Service Center and Tesla showroom were not able to give any advice on the third-row seat air circulation issue either.

Air circulation in the Model S’ rear-facing seats has been a hot topic of discussion among the owner’s community. Some members, for one, have resorted to DIY projects, such as this one featured in the Tesla Motors Club, to improve air circulation in the Model S’ third-row seats. Other Tesla owners have also shared tips with each other to help keep the rear-facing seats cool, such as adding solar screens, turning off recirculation, and driving with Range Mode turned off.

If there is anyone in the third row, turn off air recirculation. Third row cooling happens by air entering from the front and exiting through the vents in the rear bumper.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 6, 2018

As we noted in a previous report, the Model S’ rear-facing seats have caused misconceptions in the past. Last year, a Model S owner was confronted at gunpoint by the Newhall, California Sheriff’s Department after getting reported for an alleged abduction. Unaware of the full-sized electric sedan’s seating design, witnesses reportedly believed that the Tesla owner was stuffing a child in the car’s trunk. Fortunately, after explaining the design of the Model S’ third-row seating configuration, the Tesla owner did not receive any charges.

Lt. Rob Hahnlein, one of the officers who responded to the alleged kidnapping, admitted that the misunderstanding happened because they were not aware of the Model S’ design.

“It was not a kidnapping. We’re not Tesla experts. The new Teslas have a weird back seat and when they put the (child) in the back seat it looked like they were putting them in the trunk,” the officer said.

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Tesla prides itself as a company that manufactures some of the safest vehicles on the road, and this is evident in the Elon Musk-led electric car maker’s latest safety update to its customers. In Tesla’s note, the electric car firm stated that while there have been no untoward incidents reported so far with regards to the Model S’ Takata airbags; the company is taking the initiative to replace the defective inflators now. The carmaker further noted that it would be contacting all Tesla Model S owners who are affected by the Takata recall. Thus, no immediate action is required from those whose vehicles are affected by the issue.

The California-based electric car and energy firm also reminded its customers that Takata’s faulty airbags affect millions of vehicles on the road. Considering the scope of the issue, Tesla would be following the NHTSA’s guidelines and replacing affected vehicles’ airbags in phases, depending on the electric cars’ manufacturing date. According to Tesla, however, it would be continuing its airbag replacement initiative even if regulators do not require a full-scale recall.

One thing that Tesla did emphasize in its latest safety update, however, was the fact that eventually, Model S vehicles that were manufactured up to late 2016 might subsequently be called back for possible airbag issues. Currently, the ongoing Takata recall only affects Model S cars that were produced from 2012-2013. Considering that Takata airbags were fitted on the flagship sedan well after those years, however, recalls for 2014-2016 Model S would likely happen. Tesla did state, however, that Model X and Model 3 vehicles, as well as the first-generation Tesla Roadster, are not affected by Takata’s faulty airbags, since these cars were not equipped with the firm’s defective inflators.

Takata’s faulty airbags have become one of the biggest scandals in the auto industry during the past few years. The defective units, which have a tendency to shoot shrapnel into passengers during impact, have caused at least 139 injuries and two fatalities, according to a Car and Driver report. Being one of the world’s most prolific airbag manufacturers, Takata was the brand of choice for many car makers including Tesla, which was just an electric car startup then.

Recalls for Takata’s faulty airbags were initiated eventually, but by that time, injuries caused by the defective inflators were already piling up. By August 2015, Tesla became one of only two carmakers that were not mandated to recall its vehicles due to Takata’s faulty airbags. In the following months, however, it became evident that some Model S were equipped with defective airbag units. By early 2017, Tesla issued a recall for 2997 Model S sedans that were manufactured in 2012.

Tesla’s official safety update for the Model S could be viewed here.

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Ever since the launch of the Tesla Model S in 2012, Tesla has offered music services through their massive 17-inch display. Tesla offered Slacker Radio to US and Canadian vehicles and introduced Spotify in December 2015 for its European customers. Tesla owners have enjoyed Slacker radio within their vehicles for nearly five years and have praised the service for its abilities to “match their mood.” Slacker has previously stated that Tesla owners stream 2-3 times as much music as other customers, sometimes streaming over 100 hours per month.

“We believe it’s important to have an exceptional in-car experience so our customers can listen to the music they want from whatever source they choose. Our goal is to simply achieve maximum happiness for our customers.” A Tesla spokesperson told Recode earlier today.

Earlier this month, Tesla launched a streaming “Station” on Slacker with DJ commentary. Elon Musk’s girlfriend, Amber Heard is rumored to be behind the new station, as the station is called “Tesla Heard,” a nice nod to Musk’s girlfriend. Musk furthered the hint by tweeting, “You may have Heard of the person who put it together.”

You may have Heard of the person who put it together

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 9, 2017

It’s unclear when the Tesla music streaming service will launch, but it would be ideal for Tesla to launch it alongside the Model 3 next month.

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The video was posted by Redditor humanwire over on the Tesla subreddit. The original poster noted that the rear windows have CR20 tint which only lets 20% of the light in. In comparison to the rear windows, the all glass roof still looks very dark while still letting in a good amount of light.

The original poster commented that, “it’s tinted so dark that it just feels like a regular roof in my peripheral vision while I’m driving. It’s only if you look straight up do you see anything, and mainly only during the daytime.” This first-hand experience should put future owners minds at ease over concerns that the roof might let too much light in or be too bright. Conversely, it also eases concerns that it is too dark and would block any meaningful views when looking out through the roof.

My experience in my Tesla Model S with the panoramic roof has been similar with the mostly glass roof. It has never been too warm, too bright or too dark. Granted, I live in temperate Southern California where it doesn’t get too hot.

Similar fears were raised when the Model X arrived with its massive windshield, with Tesla even going so far as to offer sunshades to owners for free. After more users took ownership of Model X’s, similar videos surfaced of first-person videos in the X, revealing the unparalleled views of the world around. In the time I’ve spent in an X, my experience was similar to riding in a helicopter cockpit.

Check out the video below and let us know if this video changes your thoughts on getting the glass roof on your next Tesla. Model 3 owners will be in for a treat.

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All Model S and X cars will have an auto raise and lower function for the steering wheel in a few months.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 23, 2017

“All Model S and X cars will have an auto raise and lower function for the steering wheel in a few months.” said Musk.

Automatic steering wheel raising and lowering is a feature that’s been around on other high-end vehicles. While not all drivers need the functionality, it can make the difference between being able to fit into a car comfortably or not fitting into it at all for some drivers. Older, taller and less flexible drivers may find comfort in the feature that opens up more space for ingress and egress.

Updated August 17, 2017: Elon Musk reconfirmed that “all vehicles” will receive the auto-raising steering wheel function. He also noted that automatically adjusting seats based on a user’s configuration is being considered.

Tesla’s over-the-air software updates provides the ability to instantaneously add functionality to a vehicle, thus making it a car that continues to get better with age.

How Does a Tesla Over-the-Air Software Update Work?

Musk didn’t reveal specific timing on when the automatic raise-lower steering wheel functionality will arrive, only saying that it will be here “in a few months”.

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However, it was all a misunderstanding. “It was not a kidnapping,” said Lt. Rob Hahnlein. “We’re not Tesla experts.”

At about 12:49 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017, the Sheriff’s department was sent to “investigate (a kidnapping),” said Hahnlein. Their job, he continued, is to “detain whoever until we figure out that it is not a crime.”

The alleged abduction was, actually, an adult loading a child into the rear jump seat on the Tesla Model S, according to the Santa Clarita Valley publication, The Signal. To alleviate any residual concerns, the driver of the Tesla demonstrated to law enforcement officials how the rear seats operate in the Tesla and how an observer who is unfamiliar with the Tesla interior design might honestly mistake placing a small child in those seats as an abduction.

It’s not the first time that a kidnapping was reported in conjunction with a Tesla Model S. Last year, a video caught police confronting a Model S driver after receiving reports of a child being placed into the trunk of a car.

In both cases, the unusual configuration of the rear facing seat, best suited for small passengers, caused consternation. There are seats for five in the Model S, though seating capacity increases to seven with these optional rear-facing jump seats. “The new Teslas have a weird back seat and when they put the (child) in the back seat it looked like they were putting them in the trunk,” Newhall officer Hahnlein conceded.

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