Tesla working on updated Model S and Model X – report

Tesla has been discreetly working on a secret project named Palladium, according to sources obtained by online news forum Electrek.

The project is reportedly being implemented at the Fremont factory in California and the Gigafactory in Nevada, and involves the production of new battery modules and drive units to serve as the basis of the upcoming "Plaid" version of the Model S and Model X (pictured below).

“The new powertrain is going to enable a tri-motor configuration for plaid and feature increased performance and efficiency,” Electrek reports.

Another source told Electrek Project Palladium’s scope is not just limited to powertrain development, but also involves the creation of new bodies for the cars.

The name Palladium is derived from the 46th element of the periodic table, which is widely used in catalytic converters to reduce the harmfulness combustion engine exhaust gasses.

It is unknown if the name is intended as veiled sledge at vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.