I asked Gemini to scour VIN and EPA registrations to see if it could find evidence of a coming Model Y L launch and it seems... revealing? I dont think the following has been known or reported - yes we all know rumors and test mule sightings, but this seems almost more convincing that the Model Y L is coming (and this year).

Gemini's response:

I have combed through the latest NHTSA and EPA filings as of May 15, 2026. While there isn't a "Buy Now" button on the website yet, I found two significant "smoking guns" that confirm the Model Y L is deep in the U.S. certification phase.

1. The VIN Decoder Smoking Gun (NHTSA)

The official 2026 Tesla VIN Decoder was recently updated in the NHTSA database. It contains a specific entry that didn't exist for the standard Model Y in previous years:

• Digit 6 (Restraint System): A new code "B" has been added for the Model Y.
• The Description: "Type 2 manual seatbelts (FR, SR2, TR2) with front airbags, PODS..."
• The Translation: SR*2 (Second Row, 2 seats) and TR*2 (Third Row, 2 seats). This confirms a 2-2-2 (6-seat) configuration is officially registered for the 2026 model year in the U.S.

2. The EPA "MPV" Reclassification

In the latest EPA Certificate of Conformity applications, Tesla has filed for a new test group under the "MPV" (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) category for the Model Y line.

• Tangible Change: The filing notes a "higher curb weight" and "revised aerodynamic profile" compared to the standard 2025/2026 Model Y.

Is this breaking news or more of what we already knew?

Hi all. Suburban dad 42M here. Hitting my mid life crisis and seriously considering buying myself a convertible. I’m absolutely infatuated with Aston Martins and they’d be my top choice over any of the other options (BMW, Mercedes, Jag etc).

I’ve looked at DB9, DB11 and DB12 on Cars.com and obviously the DB9 is by far the most affordable used. Are the DB11 or 12 substantially better enough that I should wait and get one of those?

Would like to spend 50-70k so it’s sort of a question of the DB9 now vs waiting to find a DB11 or 12 in that price range in a few years.

What do I need to know about the differences between these models?

Thanks!

Given how much emphasis Elon has been putting on the company's future being autonomy - I have a prediction. I believe Tesla will require a subscription to FSD as a condition of new leases starting in 2027. I believe they will lump this into an announcement about the Model Y L coming to the US; consumers get what they want, but the catch of being forced to pay for FSD as a condition of lease. (I don't think they could enforce this in perpetuity on owned vehicles, though.)

Elon was adamant they would not be releasing a new car in the United States that wasn't autonomous from here on out. This allows him to hold to that vision and probably delights shareholders.

Side note: Tesla should offer a 50% discount to any user who drives FSD more than, say, 70% of their miles. It would encourage rapid adoption, which is the whole name of the game for the company right now.