The internal code name for the Tesla Model S during development was WhiteStar.
Tesla began developing the Model S around 2007 as a large sedan project under the WhiteStar name. The early plan considered both a battery-electric vehicle and a hybrid version with a gasoline range extender, but Tesla later committed to an all-electric design.
Henrik Fisker was initially appointed lead designer for the WhiteStar project. After a dispute between Fisker and Tesla, Franz von Holzhausen took over the exterior design and shaped the production car that Tesla unveiled as a prototype in 2009. The Model S eventually entered series production at Tesla’s Fremont factory in June 2012.
WhiteStar is sometimes confused with Tesla’s other project names. Model X development used the BlueStar codename, while Model 3 was associated with the BlueStar-derived Model E project. The “Star” naming reflects Tesla’s internal development language, not a customer-facing trim, badge, or technology package. WhiteStar therefore identifies the Model S project itself, rather than a particular battery or performance version.