Camouflaged Tesla Model Y: Performance refresh or cheaper E41?

Have you seen the latest images of a camouflaged Tesla Model Y from Giga Texas? Drone operator Joe Tegtmeyer has spotted two red camouflaged Model Y vehicles, fueling speculation about a Performance Refresh or an affordable E41 prototype. In this article, you'll learn what might be behind the mysterious vehicles and why they are exciting for Tesla fans.

What was sighted?

On May 17, 2025, Joe Tegtmeyer discovered two camouflaged Model Y vehicles within the Giga Texas facility. Both had heavily covered front and rear areas with Tesla's typical black covers, while the middle part of the vehicle resembled the current Model Y. This camouflage suggests new design or technical changes that Tesla wants to keep secret before the official unveiling. We saw similar camouflage with the Model 3 Highland and Model Y Juniper projects.

The main observations:

Front: Covered front area, including headlights and hood.
Rear: Concealed taillights and bumper.
Body: The central area and roofline match the current Model Y.

Theory 1: A Model Y Performance Refresh

A plausible explanation is that Tesla is preparing an updated Model Y Performance. Several points support this:

Comparison with Model 3: The Model 3 Performance was introduced in 2024 a few months after the Long Range AWD and RWD variants with a new front section, including air channels for better aerodynamics and brake cooling. A similar upgrade could be planned for the Model Y.
Camouflage: The heavily covered front section could hide a more aggressive bumper or optimized air channels that distinguish the performance model from other variants.
Timeline: Posts on X, such as from @Teslarati (May 14, 2025), report that Tesla wants to release the Model Y Performance in 2025. The sighting in Giga Texas fits this timeframe.

A performance refresh would give the Model Y more power, a sportier design, and possibly improved driving dynamics to compete with rivals like the BMW iX or Rivian R1S.

Theory 2: The affordable E41 prototype

Alternatively, it could be the much-discussed E41, a more affordable variant of the Model Y. Tesla is working on reducing production costs to make the Model Y accessible to a broader customer base. Indications of this:

Cost reduction: According to notateslaapp.com, the E41 could use simplified components like smaller batteries (e.g., 50 kWh) or weaker all-wheel drives to lower the price. In China, the E41 could be priced at 150,000 RMB (approximately 43% cheaper than the current entry-level Model Y) start.
Camouflage: The covers could hide new, cost-saving design elements such as simpler headlights, taillights, or the omission of the characteristic light strips.
Market Strategy: Tesla has focused on more affordable models, like the recently introduced Model Y Long Range RWD, which is $4,000 cheaper. The E41 could continue this approach.

However, notateslaapp.com reports that the US launch of the E41 has been postponed to late 2025 to early 2026, making the sighting of a prototype plausible now.

What supports which theory?

Performance Refresh:
- The heavy camouflage of the front section fits a sporty redesign, like the Model 3 Performance.
- Tesla's focus on premium models to increase margins supports this theory.
- X-Posts, such as from @TeslaNewswire (February 12, 2025), speculate about a performance model with a covered dashboard, indicating a new interior.
E41 Prototype:
- Tesla's strategy to make the Model Y more affordable is clearly documented.
- The production of a cheaper model could also be planned in North America and Europe, explaining the sighting in Giga Texas.
- Simplified designs could justify the camouflage to reduce costs.

What do we know for sure?

The identity of the camouflaged Model Y remains unclear, but some points are certain:

Giga Texas as a testing ground: The sightings show that Tesla is actively working on new configurations significant enough to be camouflaged.
No standard model: The camouflage suggests changes to the front and rear design that go beyond minor updates.
Timeframe: Whether Performance or E41, a release is expected in late 2025 or early 2026.

On X, fans are excited but also curious. @JoeTegtmeyer (May 14, 2025) asks: “What do you think this is?” and shows pictures of the camouflaged vehicles, fueling speculation about both variants.

Conclusion: An exciting outlook for Tesla fans

The camouflaged Model Y vehicles in Giga Texas leave room for speculation: Will it be a powerful Model Y Performance with sporty design or the affordable E41 that makes electromobility accessible to everyone? Both options fit Tesla's strategy of combining innovation and market dominance. For European readers, it remains exciting to see if and when these variants will come to Europe. Keep your eyes open for further revelations throughout 2025!