The Tesla Model 3 has played a pivotal role in the adoption of EVs worldwide since its unveiling in 2016.
Now high-definition photos of the upcoming refresh (also known as Tesla Model 3 Highland) have been spotted in California, revealing more key details.
The black car was spotted by a Tesla Model 3 owner and professional photographer, Colin W, and shared on Twitter.
Tesla Model 3 “Project Highland” just Spotted in Palo Alto, CA. Any changes here? pic.twitter.com/wreYnI27Nx
— Colin W. (@Y2KColin) July 27, 2023
It shows a Model 3 outside Tesla’s testing grounds in California with the usual front and rear covers along with an ultra-dark tint to hide revealing any interior changes to the upcoming model.
These high-resolution photos also reveal a key change that has not been previously spotted. That’s what looks like a front-facing bumper camera to allow the car to get a better field of view when navigating through traffic.
This could be part of the upcoming Hardware 4 suite of cameras and upgraded computer which are geared for full self-driving (FSD) and autopilot functionality.
More 4K photos. Please credit me if you use these. pic.twitter.com/thNJWmKJLi
— Colin W. (@Y2KColin) July 27, 2023
Similarly, the Tesla Cybertruck also has a front-facing camera so it could be something Tesla is bringing in to help improve the FSD capabilities of the vehicle.
In a recent Twitter space, Elon Musk hinted what the capabilities of Hardware 4 vehicles would be in comparison to the current Hardware 3 found in tens of thousands of Teslas found in Australia.
Elon Musk just said on Spaces that @Tesla’s Hardware 4 is 3-5 times more capable than Hardware 3.
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) July 14, 2023
Fans who have been waiting for the upgrade responded on the back of this sighting. “I want to know what the Model 3 Highland update will include so bad! Also curious if any of the interior changes will also apply to Model Y,” said one.
This example of the refreshed Model 3 also had standard wheels and Michelin tyres also found on all standard-range vehicles (under the Aerocap hubcaps) without the optional alloys.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a recent earnings call that Tesla’s global factories are expected to go through some downtime for upgrades, so it’s likely that the Tesla Model 3 refresh is driving that.
Tesla Model 3 unveil in 2016
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.