Tesla’s Model S refresh expected to include Bioweapons grade filter, 100kWh, X-like front end, more

We first reported that the Model S was expected to get a facelift at the end of last year.  Since then, we’ve received information from sources on exactly what that would look like. The TL;DR is that the front end will look more like a Model X, minor appearance changes will happen to the rear lights, seats will be vented like the Model X. But there’s more…

We speculated that the price increase could also allow Tesla to increase its battery size to the rumored 100kWh:

And finally, what about that 100kWh battery we’ve been hearing so much about? If it is in the Model S firmware, it can’t be far off from launch, right? I mean how far ahead is Tesla thinking with its software here? Perhaps it showed up because it needed to be used in testing vehicles?

With that extra bit of battery and some other small tweaks, maybe Tesla can bump its top range to significantly over 300 miles from the current 288 EPA-rated of the 90D. If the math works, a 11% increase in battery should bump the 100D to around 320 miles of range.

This weekend, two reports seem to corroborate that information.

Cnet on Friday reported *almost* identical specs to what I’d heard, but from an entirely separate source(s) according to writer Tim Stevens.

Scoop: @TeslaMotors has a new Model S coming, and we could see it as early as next week. https://t.co/ORmI9RoJT9 pic.twitter.com/wyJD5RqYsv

— CNET Cars (@CNETCars) April 8, 2016

Not to be outdone, this morning, the Verge writes that not only will the updated Model S have the 100kWh option but also the Bioweapons defense air filter option which will bring the much touted air-cleaner to more potential customers.

The only questions now is when, and if I had to guess I ‘d say “any minute”.  (That’s also what the Tesla Store folks are saying)

(Tesla PR said they’ve seen our story but they don’t have any comment)