This story contains independent illustrations made by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes speculating on what a second generation of the Tesla Model S could look like. The renderings are not related to nor endorsed by Tesla.

Tesla’s Model S could arguably be the defining ‘look-at-us moment’ since the electric automaker’s inception in 2003. Launched in 2012, it signaled a radical shift in the automotive landscape with its incredible performance, decent range and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

However, recent newer models such as the Model 3, Model Y, Roadster 2.0, and Cybertruck have all stolen the limelight somewhat, with the large sedan now starting to fade into the shadows. Cold water has been poured on any significant updates, with no sign of a full redesign on the cards too.

Related: Elon Musk Says There Are No Plans For “Refreshed” Model S Or Model X

So rather than doom and gloom, let’s take a positive approach and explore what a potential Model S replacement could look like with this illustrative design study.

Renders copyright Carscoops.com & Josh Byrnes

Dynamic Appearance

Unlike the current Franz von Holzhausen-designed Model S, this design proposal taps into the 1970’s wedge-period of car design for inspiration. Frontal styling shares many design elements with the upcoming Tesla-roadster 2.0, including a shark-nosed facia, vertical headlamp cut-outs, and a Model 3-inspired nosecone graphic.

The side profile catches your eye with a dominant crease that wraps around the car from front to back; this forms the basis of a wedge-aesthetic by dividing the upper and lower surface areas, with doors and fenders tapering inwards.

The Tesla Roadster 2.0 is expected to arrive in 2021

Blacked-out lower windscreen pillars yield a dynamic effect, whilst the rest of the glasshouse is an evolution of the current car. The cabin would employ vastly improved aesthetics and materials, without being as spartan as the Model 3. Rear styling is angular and squared-off; featuring full-width horizontal LED tail-lamps and an aggressive lower diffuser.

Tri-Motor Performance

The original Model S had a myriad of standard, long-range and performance variants, with subsequent updates offering Insane, then Ludicrous Plus modes for performance that still embarrasses many past and present supercars.

As with the ludicrous Cybertruck, we’d expect a single motor RWD entry variant, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option, and a bonkers Tri-Motor setup. The latter paves the way for Tesla’s upcoming ‘Plaid’ performance model which would see Spaceball acceleration figures dip below the 2-second mark for the 0-60 (97km/h) sprint.

The driving range would ideally north of the 500-mile mark, aided by improvements to Tesla’s current li-ion batteries. Rumors suggest Tesla is also working on a battery with a lifespan of a million miles, helping reduce anxiety associated with long-term ownership and battery replacement.

Rapid Rivals

The current Model S is still competitive when it comes to fast EV’. Porsche’s Taycan may out-handle and perform it, but the Tesla will still do more miles between charges. Other rivals include Audi’s upcoming e-tron GT, Mercedes-Benz EQS and Fisker EMotion.

Finally, should Tesla redesign the Model S, and what would you like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The current Tesla S3XY family car lineup

…and the Cybertruck pickup