Tesla Model Y Refresh: Franz von Holzhausen Reveals Design Philosophy & New Features

May 6,2025

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The New Model Y Design Philosophy
3. Signature Lighting Features
4. Interior and User Experience Improvements
5. Paint Colors and Customization
6. Wheel Designs and Aerodynamic Efficiency
7. Performance Model Y: What to Expect
8. Franz's Design Approach
9. Conclusion

1. Introduction

   Tesla's Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen recently sat down with Ryan McCaffrey on the 500th episode of the Ride the Lightning podcast. During this extensive interview, Franz shared insights about the newly refreshed Model Y. This blog post highlights the key revelations about the Model Y refresh, straight from the design mastermind himself.

   Franz has been with Tesla for over 16 years. His design philosophy focuses on creating vehicles that feel premium regardless of price point. This approach is evident in the refreshed Model Y.

2.The New Model Y Design Philosophy

   The refreshed Model Y has received a significant design update. Franz emphasized that giving the Model Y its own visual identity was a key goal.

   "We had the chance to give it its own visual identity and personality," Franz explained. "Even though there's a significant amount about the vehicle which is similar to the outgoing model, the parts in the front and rear that we were able to affect radically improve the overall visual."

   This redesign ensures the Model Y is no longer perceived as just "a bigger, taller Model 3." Each vehicle now has its own distinct personality and look.

3.Signature Lighting Features

   One of the most striking elements of the new Model Y is its lighting design. Franz expressed particular pride in the one-piece, five-foot-wide diffused light rear bar.

   "We've looked at everything that's in the market and want to bring newness and freshness to the Tesla brand," Franz said. The team wanted to create broad shoulders for the Y and give it a unique identity.

This lighting feature was first explored on the Cybercab concept. It gives the Model Y a distinctive "afterburn glow" behind the car. Franz described it as "fresh and new looking compared to anything on the road."

   The front light bar is another signature element. Some fans have noted that without the middle section, it resembles Iron Man's mask, especially in Ultra Red.

4.Interior and User Experience Improvements

Enhanced Efficiency

   While the interview didn't delve deeply into interior specifics, Franz did acknowledge that the refreshed Model Y offers considerable improvements.
Similar to the Model 3 refresh, the new Model Y provides upgraded touch points and materials. Franz mentioned that anyone who owns a current Model Y should check out the new one. The improvements are substantial enough that owners might find it worthwhile to upgrade.
   Notably, the turn signal stalk has remained in the new Model Y. Franz explained this decision: "We're always looking at the future state of full self-driving autonomy. In that world, you don't need the physical indicator."
   However, the team responded to customer feedback. "We're responding to feedback, and you don't know you've taken off too much sometimes until you get that feedback," Franz noted.

5.Paint Colors and Customization

   The refreshed Model Y introduces new paint options. Franz discussed how Tesla approaches color selection.
   "We look at colors, what we can do from a global factory perspective. A lot of times, the public weeds out the colors," Franz explained. When order rates for certain colors drop too low, Tesla removes them from the lineup.
   Black and white remain the most popular choices, making up a large percentage of orders. Franz mentioned that developing new colors is a lengthy process. Each color must be "a stunning improvement to the vehicle."
   The interview touched on Glacier Blue, a new color currently available on the Model Y in China. Franz described it as "a color that we've been talking about with our team" and mentioned how it adds personality to the palette.
Franz also hinted that Ultra Red, which replaced Multi-coat Red, might not be the only red option in the future. When asked about Midnight Cherry Red, he simply said, "Stay tuned."

5.Wheel Designs and Aerodynamic Efficiency

   Wheel design is another area where the new Model Y shows improvement. Franz discussed the balance between aesthetics and efficiency.
   "Every wheel design we do for a vehicle, we try to obviously make it look better, but we also try to improve the overall range impact," Franz explained. The rolling resistance of the tire and aerodynamic efficiency of the wheel cap significantly affect range.
   The new Model Y features "Cross" wheels, replacing the previous "Gemini" design. Franz mentioned that Tesla designs wheels with built-in flexibility. For instance, the Model 3 Performance wheels are designed so owners can remove the aero inserts if they prefer the look over maximum range.

5.Performance Model Y: What to Expect

   Franz confirmed that a Performance version of the new Model Y is coming later this year. While he didn't share specific details, he suggested it would follow the design philosophy of previous Performance models.

   "You can probably follow a thread on the things that we've done in the past," Franz hinted. The Model 3 Performance typically includes larger red brake calipers and a carbon fiber spoiler, suggesting similar treatments for the Model Y Performance.

   Franz also emphasized Tesla's approach to performance vehicles: "Humans' quest for speed will never end." He described the upcoming Roadster as a "technology showcase" that helps Tesla "develop advanced ideas that we can populate back down into our other vehicles."

5.Franz's Design Approach

   Throughout the interview, Franz revealed insights into his design philosophy. He constantly critiques his own work, always looking for ways to improve.

"I'm always critiquing my own work and our team's work. There's always a better way," Franz admitted. Even when seeing Tesla vehicles on the road, he thinks about what could have been done better.

   Franz believes in creating clean, minimalist designs that serve as a "blank canvas" for owners to personalize. He even customizes his own Tesla vehicles, sometimes inspiring production changes.

   For instance, Franz revealed that he wrapped his Cybertruck in black because that's how he envisioned it during the design process. "That's the creative spark for that thing in my mind," he explained.

5.Conclusion

   The refreshed Tesla Model Y represents Franz von Holzhausen's ongoing commitment to evolving Tesla's design language. With its distinctive lighting, improved aesthetics, and thoughtful updates, the new Model Y establishes itself as more than just a variant of the Model 3.

   Franz's approach to design—creating premium-feeling vehicles regardless of price point—shines through in this refresh. As he put it, "We want you to feel like you've gotten the upgrade even though you didn't pay for it."

   With the Performance version on the horizon and possible new color options in the future, the Model Y's evolution continues. Franz and his team are clearly not content to rest on their laurels, always pushing to make Tesla's vehicles better with each iteration.

   As Franz said of his design philosophy: "We're always looking to design our way around ideas that can make the products feel more premium than the price point that you pay for it."