Drone footage has recently sparked some speculation around Tesla, but this time focusing on some strange castings spotted outside the Fremont factory. The clips captured drone pilot, Met God in Wilderness, show large components laid out in a way that doesn’t match the massive underbody castings typically associated with the Model Y or Cybertruck. Instead, these new pieces look significantly smaller and more compact. This raises the question, is Tesla quietly preparing the first building blocks of its long-promised affordable model?
For those unfamiliar, Tesla’s castings aren’t just normally stamped metal parts, They’re the product of something called “Giga Press Technology”. It’s basically massive machines capable of casting entire sections of a car’s frame in one piece. This approach has helped Tesla cut down on part counts, simplify manufacturing, and speed up assembly lines. Until now, we’ve mostly seen this process applied to large-scale components like rear underbodies on the Model Y, and that’s why these smaller castings stand out.
But the timing only adds fuel to the fire, making it slightly more interesting. Elon Musk recently confirmed during Tesla’s Q2 earnings call that initial production of an all-new, more affordable Tesla model is scheduled to start around June, with deliveries targeted for late 2025. Fans have been waiting years for Tesla to deliver on its promise of a mass-market vehicle priced below the Model 3, and these castings might be the very first visible sign that the project is moving forward. If so, they could belong to an entry-level compact sedan or crossover, or maybe even the Cybercab.
Of course, speculation is running wild within the Tesla community. Some believe this could be the first evidence of a compact A-segment Tesla, a smaller vehicle designed to sell in high volume across international markets. While others also argue that these castings might hint at a revised platform, one that trims weight and cost by using scaled-down chassis components. A few observers even suggest these could be pre-production samples or even the Cybercabs. But without official confirmation it’s all just educated guessing, but with Tesla, even the smallest clues are enough to set off a frenzy.
Tesla fans have flooded social media with theories, reposts, and screen grabs from the drone footage. One Tesla watcher even tweeted, “…any comments appreciated,” while pointing out the odd design of the pieces. It’s a perfect example of how closely enthusiasts follow Tesla’s every move, ready to dissect even a stack of aluminum parts on the edge of a parking lot. But it’s not just about a pile of aluminum parts, It’s about what these castings could mean for Tesla’s future, and whether the long-awaited affordable EV is finally becoming a reality.
That being said, there are a few key things to watch for over the next few months. If Tesla does plan to unveil its compact model by Q4, we could see more signs of it leaking out of Fremont or other production facilities in the months to come. Spy shots or additional drone footage may reveal more of these unusual castings, offering fresh hints at the vehicle’s size and layout. There’s also the possibility of Tesla dropping teasers or mentioning the project during its next investor call, especially if the company wants to keep excitement high as production draws closer.
Whether these pieces belong to a new compact crossover, a smaller sedan, the Cybercab robotaxi, or something completely unexpected, they’re proof that Tesla’s story is still unfolding in ways that keep fans guessing at every turn.
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