New R1 Refresh spotted photos! [Updated w/ New Wheel Aero Covers pic]

[KRG]

interesting. the photo of this front light doesnt look like the same light as the photo from OP. wth, they have two refreshes happening? maybe one of those is for a higher (or lower) trim.

Looks the same to me? Both have the same new recessed lower portion. The limestone/silver one just has the chargeport open blocking part of the design where it widens.

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[dleepnw]

Looks the same to me? Both have the same new recessed lower portion. The limestone/silver one just has the chargeport open blocking part of the design where it widens.

hmmm, maybe youre right.

 

[R1Tom]

Yes, slimmer while using the same body panels (cost efficiency!). Probably still going to get flashed by dolts thinking you have high beams on.

I am still struggling to understand why this change was worth the expense at this point. I don't really see it increasing sales in any significant way. I am thinking it somehow lowered the cost of the head lights and light bar significantly enough to warrant or it is for other markets than US and something with existing didn't meet requirements somewhere?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

I am still struggling to understand why this change was worth the expense at this point. I don't really see it increasing sales in any significant way. I am thinking it somehow lowered the cost of the head lights and light bar significantly enough to warrant or it is for other markets than US and something with existing didn't meet requirements somewhere?

See R2 and R3. Just an evolution and refinement of design language... future consistency across all model lines, whilst avoiding expense and complexity of producing and stocking two different sets of R1 exterior components.

 

[R1Tom]

See R2 and R3. Just an evolution and refinement of design language... future consistency across all model lines, whilst avoiding expense and complexity of producing and stocking two different sets of R1 exterior components.

So are you saying these exact parts will be used on the R2 and R3?

 

[KRG]

I am still struggling to understand why this change was worth the expense at this point. I don't really see it increasing sales in any significant way. I am thinking it somehow lowered the cost of the head lights and light bar significantly enough to warrant or it is for other markets than US and something with existing didn't meet requirements somewhere?

Since it’s the exact same shape, i’m sure it wasn’t that expensive of a change. Tesla has changed their lighting elements several times, especially in the model S/X. I assume it has some improvement and/or cost cutting element as well.

 

[KRG]

So are you saying these exact parts will be used on the R2 and R3?

They definitely will not be.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

So are you saying these exact parts will be used on the R2 and R3?

Not at all. Pre and post refresh R1 will share body parts (around the light bar). Between refreshed R1, 2 and 3, the similarity is in design language only—light bar with 3D faceted features instead of one featureless slab of the OG R1. This way they produce only one style of front body parts for all R1. And damaged OG R1 can still get replacement parts, with the same ease/difficulty as they currently do.

 

[R1Tom]

Since it’s the exact same shape, i’m sure it wasn’t that expensive of a change. Tesla has changed their lighting elements several times, especially in the model S/X. I assume it has some improvement and/or cost cutting element as well.

I get that...but we are at like the 2.5 year mark. I don't think most manufacturers change their headlight designs every 2-3 years.

Seems expensive. Development time, vendor time, DOT approval time, updating parts systems, updating every piece of artwork, photoshopping all existing stock photos they use for marketing, manuals, etc....

I get they have a reason....I just want to know the real reason.

Maybe it was just simply...it's going to look cooler....but not sure.

 

[R1Tom]

Not at all. Pre and post refresh R1 will share body parts (around the light bar). The similarity between refreshed R1, 2 and 3 are in design language only—light bar with 3D faceted features instead of one featureless slab of the OG R1. This way they produce only one style of front body parts for all R1. And damaged OG R1 can still get replacement parts, with the same ease/difficulty as they currently do.

So basically just asthetics then.....which is maybe all it is. I just find it interesting since I don't think this change will seal many deals....

I don't recall a single review or comment that people felt the front lighting was too boring, featureless, etc...

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

So basically just asthetics then.....which is maybe all it is. I just find it interesting since I don't think this change will seal many deals....

Yes. Cosmetic only. Common in the car industry for some mid-cycle updates, same body panels, slight tweaks to headlights, to bring legacy offerings more in line with newer products.

 

[TheWoo]

I get that...but we are at like the 2.5 year mark. I don't think most manufacturers change their headlight designs every 2-3 years.

Seems expensive. Development time, vendor time, DOT approval time, updating parts systems, updating every piece of artwork, photoshopping all existing stock photos they use for marketing, manuals, etc....

I get they have a reason....I just want to know the real reason.

Maybe it was just simply...it's going to look cooler....but not sure.

Reason is almost certainly cost. A different supplier or more efficient assembly or a combo of the two.

I don't expect anything in this refresh that isn't a cost savings. It may also have a functional or aesthetic value, but first and foremost it's about getting cost of assembly down, even if it requires a capital outlay to do so.

 

[Supratachophobia]

Buckle up folks, R1 refresh is only a week away. They are only goig to make R1S first which makes sense. A Black Package R1S was spotted filming in Seattle

Changes:
- New headlights with new lighting capabilities
- New cameras and ADAS
- Black badges
- No chrome
- Silver wheel caliper
- Heat Pump
- Tri motor
- Faster charging


Added photo of refreshed headlight spotted by @Canthoney

Seattle Sighting Photos:

Can you confirm tri-motor is releasing this soon and not later in the year?

 

[R1Tom]

Yes. Cosmetic only. Common in the car industry for some mid-cycle updates, same body panels, slight tweaks to headlights, to bring legacy offerings more in line with newer products.

I just don't recall two-three year mid cycle frequencies I guess....

 

[tate16t]

The “chrome delete” isn’t even a real chrome delete. Most deletes you buy online are black vinyl and cheap looking, just like this picture. You can see it from a mile away. It doesn’t even match the black of the roof. It’s more charcoal than anything. Still have to cover it in black PPF to get the best results.

Most eyes can’t tell the difference.

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