Tesla’s Model 3 refresh known as Project Highland has taken a bit of a back seat to the Cybertruck recently, which is nearing production and has been spotted on public roads on an almost daily basis. A new sighting of a camouflaged Model 3 however has reignited interest in the refresh as there appears to be a small but significant update to the sedan’s front bumper.
So far all of Tesla’s vehicles built at the Fremont factory, with the exception of the Model 3, now come equipped with the latest self-driving computer, otherwise known as Hardware 4.0 (HW4). Along with new higher resolution cameras, the new hardware also includes additional camera ports that have so far gone unused. However that looks like it may change with the release of the new Model 3, which is expected to bring HW4 to the electric sedan.
Photographer Colin W. (@Y2KColin) recently captured a camouflaged Project Highland Model 3 roaming the streets of Palo Alto. Thanks to his Sony 70-200mm camera, we were able to get some high-resolution photos of the vehicle, and in one of them we can see what looks like a front bumper camera. This new camera would therefore use that now empty port on the computer.
More 4K photos. Please credit me if you use these. pic.twitter.com/thNJWmKJLi
— Colin W. (@Y2KColin) July 27, 2023
Here’s a close up of the front bumper camera.
While it is difficult to say this is indeed a front bumper camera, it definitely looks like one, and matches the looks and placement of the front bumper camera on the aforementioned Cybertruck. The Cybertruck will also be released with HW4.
Other than the front bumper, not much else new can be seen on this camouflaged Model 3. Something that is noticeable however is how heavily the front windows are tinted, indicating Tesla is possibly trying to hide some updates to the interior. Based on previous sightings we know it will be coming with a new steering wheel and no stalks, but it is also rumoured to be coming with a larger center display and possibly a rear display as well.
Do you spot anything else interesting in these photos? Let us know in the comments below.
