Tesla Model S Refresh with front camera spotted at the Nürburgring

Have you seen the latest pictures of a camouflaged Tesla Model S at the Nürburgring? Tesla is testing a revised version, presumably the Model S Plaid, with a new front bumper camera and aerodynamic improvements. In this article, you will learn all about the spotted changes, what they mean, and how the refresh could enhance the Model S.

Camouflaged Model S Plaid at the Nürburgring

On May 21, 2025, a camouflaged Tesla Model S was spotted on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, as reported by CarScoops. The vehicle, presumably a Plaid, wore white-black camouflage on the front and rear, indicating new design or technical changes. The tests at the Nürburgring, one of the most challenging racetracks worldwide, suggest that Tesla is optimizing the vehicle's performance and handling. According to Lars Moravy, Tesla's VP of Vehicle Engineering, an update for Model S and X is planned for the end of 2025, although no details were provided.

New Front Bumper Camera: A Highlight

A striking new feature is the front bumper camera, already seen in the Model Y Juniper and the Cybertruck. This camera, visible as a small “nub” in the middle of the bumper, could offer the following advantages:

Improved FSD: More forward visibility, especially at low speeds or in tight areas like parking garages, which is crucial for Unsupervised FSD or Actually Smart Summon.
Autopark and Safety: More precise distance measurements, as the previous cameras at the top edge of the windshield show weaknesses in some scenarios (e.g., against backlight).
Hardware 4 Integration: The camera is part of the HW4/AI4 suite, which supports an additional camera connection, potentially allowing future retrofits.

On X, users like @TeslaNewswire are excited about the camera: “Refreshed Tesla Model S Plaid spotted at the Nürburgring featuring: ✅ Front bumper camera”.

Aerodynamic Improvements

The external changes focus on aerodynamics to enhance performance on the racetrack:

New front spoiler : A lower spoiler on the front bumper improves aerodynamic efficiency and downforce at high speeds, ideal for the Nürburgring.
Rear Diffuser: The diffuser at the rear appears slightly altered but largely stays true to the current design, indicating subtle optimizations.
Unchanged Front: Headlights and “eyeliner” daytime running lights remain the same, as does the black area with the Tesla logo.

The changes are less comprehensive than the Model Y Juniper refresh, which introduced new light bars and headlights, suggesting a targeted update rather than a complete overhaul.

New Wheels: Performance or Test?

The tested Model S featured new alloy wheels resembling the Photon wheels of the Model 3 Performance (without aero covers). Interestingly, the vehicle was seen with the familiar Arachnid wheels on the way to and from the Nürburgring. This suggests that Tesla is using the new wheels specifically for performance testing, possibly to optimize grip and handling. The choice of similar wheels as the Model 3 seems unusual, as Tesla typically uses unique designs for top models.

Rear: Minimal Changes

The rear of the prototype shows hardly any changes:

Taillights and Bumper: Design and shape match the current Model S.
Diffuser: Slight adjustments, but no radical innovations.

This suggests that Tesla's focus is on the front and possibly the interior.

Possible Interior Improvements

Since the exterior changes are limited, experts speculate about more significant updates in the interior to align the Model S with Model 3 and Model Y:

Ambient Lighting: RGB ambient lighting, as seen in the Model 3 and Cybertruck, is confirmed for Model S/X and could make the cabin feel more modern.
New Seats : A new seat design with narrower, higher headrests and Plaid badges, similar to RECARO racing seats, was discovered in the parts catalog.
Improved Materials: Higher quality surfaces or new features like ventilated seats are conceivable, similar to the Model Y refresh.

On X, users like @DominicBRNKMN speculate about "internal improvements," such as a new 123+ kWh battery with better charging behavior.

Focus on Performance: Plaid Powertrain Upgrade?

The Model S Plaid held the Nürburgring record for electric vehicles in 2023 with a lap time of 7:25.231, but was surpassed in 2024 by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (7:07.55) and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra (6:46.87). Tesla could use the current refresh to reclaim the performance:

Improved Motors: Optimizations to front and rear motors to increase acceleration and top speed.
Drivetrain: Upgrades to the drivetrain component could improve efficiency and performance to chase records again.

A Plaid+ comeback is speculated, but unlikely, as the changes seem more incremental.

No Cybertruck Technologies

Despite Tesla's announcement to integrate technologies like Steer-by-Wire or 48V architecture from the Cybertruck into future models, the Model S refresh does not seem to include these. Even the Model Y Juniper launched without these features, dampening expectations for a rather conservative update for the Model S.

Timeline and Availability

Tesla has not confirmed an official launch date, but according to Lars Moravy, the refresh is expected at the end of 2025 as model year 2026. Initial deliveries could begin in North America and Europe in spring 2026, similar to the Model Y refresh, which will be delivered in Asia as early as May 2025. For European customers, this means patience, but the prospect of a more powerful Model S with a front camera is promising.

Conclusion: A Targeted Upgrade for the Model S

The Tesla Model S Refresh, spotted at the Nürburgring, brings subtle but targeted improvements: a front bumper camera, aerodynamic optimizations like a new spoiler, and possibly a more powerful Plaid powertrain. Inside, new seats and ambient lighting could enhance the driving experience. It's not a comprehensive redesign like the Model Y Juniper, but enough to keep the Model S competitive. For European Tesla fans, the development is exciting, even if the launch will take some time. Look forward to a faster, smarter Model S in 2026!