The cat is officially out of the bag. The affordable Tesla that CEO Elon Musk has been hinting at for months isn't a mysterious new model—it’s a new, budget-friendly version of the best-selling Model Y. Fresh leaks from Tesla's own website code have revealed nearly everything about the upcoming Tesla Model Y Standard, including its anticipated price, specifications, and a likely release date of October 7.
The revelation confirms Musk’s cryptic comments from the last quarterly earnings call, where he teased, “The affordable Tesla everyone was waiting on is simply a Model Y, let the cat out of the bag there.” He was quick to add that this is still a “singing and dancing” Model Y, a claim that the newly leaked specs seem to put to the test.
What’s in a Name? Meet the Model Y Standard
According to the data mined from Tesla’s website, the new entry-level variant will be officially dubbed the Tesla Model Y Standard. This naming convention logically slots it beneath the current Long Range and Performance trims available in the US. For fans and forums, it’s already being affectionately (or perhaps sceptically) abbreviated as the Model Y S.
The most critical piece of information for potential buyers is, of course, the price. The code lists a Tesla Model Y Standard price of $39,990. However, industry watchers are cautioning that this is likely a placeholder.
As one keen observer noted on social media, the current cheapest Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Model Y starts at just $44,990, a mere $5,000 more.
https://x.com/TeslaNewswire/status/1974133253515759629
Given the significant number of features Tesla has removed to create this Standard model, a $39,990 price point may not be enough to drive the massive uptake Tesla needs to bolster its Q4 sales figures.
The Leaked Specs: What You Gain and What You Lose
So, what exactly does a "$40,000 Tesla Model Y" get you? The leaked specification sheet paints a picture of a vehicle built for pure function over form, with cost-cutting measures evident inside and out.
Exterior & Chassis Downgrades:
- No Hood Light Bar: The sleek, modern light bar that spans the hood is gone.
- No Glass Roof: The iconic panoramic glass roof has been replaced with a standard metal one.
- No Power-Folding Mirrors: A manual, fold-in mirror system is now standard.
- Downgraded Suspension: The suspension system has been simplified, likely impacting ride quality.
A Stripped-Basic Interior:
- Textile Upholstery: Vegan leather seats are out, replaced with basic cloth.
- Manual Rear Seats: The rear seats are now manually adjustable.
- Basic Steering Wheel & Vents: The premium feel is dialed back with simpler components.
- No HEPA Filter: The "Bioweapon Defense Mode" HEPA filter is replaced with a standard particulate filter.
- Missing Amenities: The rear touchscreen for passengers, the center console storage, and even clothing hooks have been removed.
For those looking to enhance their Tesla experience with accessories for this new model, a range of third-party options will undoubtedly become available.
Features That Surprisingly Remain:
It’s not all bad news. Tesla has kept two of the most future-proofed hardware elements, crucial for its Full Self-Driving (FSD) ambitions. The Matrix headlights and the essential front bumper camera—a key component for the upcoming FSD Version 14—are still present. This suggests that while Tesla is cutting costs on comfort and luxury, it is unwilling to compromise on the core tech that defines its brand.
A Risky Strategy: Will Buyers Bite?
This isn't the first time Tesla has experimented with a de-contented model. The company has shipped similar stripped-down vehicles in markets like Mexico and previously attempted a RWD Cybertruck trim in the US. That model, which also featured cloth seats and lacked air suspension, failed to resonate with buyers despite being $10,000 cheaper and was quietly discontinued.
The lesson seems clear: Tesla buyers have a certain expectation of premium quality. To make the Model Y Standard a success, Tesla will likely need to price it significantly lower. Analysts suggest a price point of around $35,000—effectively accounting for the lost federal tax credit on more expensive trims—would be the sweet spot to attract a new wave of budget-conscious EV adopters.
The official unveil is expected very soon, following a mysterious teaser from Tesla over the weekend that has set the tech world abuzz.
https://www.gsmgotech.com/2025/10/tesla-drops-mysterious-teaser-ahead-of.html
This move to a cheaper Model Y also aligns with Tesla's broader hardware evolution. The company has been steadily rolling out its more advanced Hardware 4 (HW4) computer and camera suite across its lineup, which promises significant improvements for Autopilot and FSD.
https://www.gsmgotech.com/2025/08/finally-tesla-model-3-hw4-front-camera.html
The Bottom Line
The leaked Tesla Model Y Standard is a bold, if not controversial, attempt to capture the elusive "affordable EV" market. By stripping away many of the premium features that have become synonymous with the brand, Tesla is betting it can hit a price point that will dramatically expand its reach. The big question remains: will the allure of the Tesla badge and access to the Supercharger network be enough to overcome a very basic, no-frills driving experience? All eyes will be on October 7 for the final, official reveal.
