Tesla Model 3 spotted with camoflauge, raising questions around new features
Published on Sep 22, 2023 at 2:22 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Sep 22, 2023 at 6:20 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A Tesla Model 3 Highland has been spotted on the roads in the US.
That in itself isn’t breaking news, considering the refreshed EV’s already been released in Asia and Europe.
But why was the US-model wearing front and rear bumper covers?
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It’s a valid question since we thought we knew just about everything there is to know about the redesigned Tesla Model 3.
The white Model 3 Highland was spotted by X user @thortr29, who said he saw the refreshed EV on his way to work in Morgan Hills, California, near Tesla’s Fremont factory.
It’s at Tesla’s Fremont factory where the non-facelifted EV is currently being manufactured for the North American market.
Europe, Australia, and New Zealand (among others) get their revamped Model 3s from China.
This isn’t the first sighting of a Tesla Model 3 Highland in the United States, but why is the automaker still using camouflage in this part of the world?
The obvious answer to this question would be that there are some subtle differences between the US-spec model and the one that’s sold in Europe.
For example, the amber headlight details – the ones in the viral leaked photo of a black Model 3 Highand that surfaced back in April – aren’t present on Chinese-made models.
Whatever the reason for the camo, it’s a strong hint that US customers will soon be able to order the refreshed EV.
What more, the company has filed several permit applications for the retooling of the Fremont Gigafactory, another hint there’s a new model on its way.
As for the changes brought about by the refresh, the new Tesla Model 3 has a more aerodynamic front end with redesigned headlamps.
The rear trunk lid has also been reengineered to hold a pair of single-piece tail lamps, as opposed to the pre-facelift model that has split rear lights.
The cabin of the EV has been slightly upgraded, too, and now features ambient lighting, a central touchscreen display with slimmer bezels, a new 9-inch rear display, and improved soundproofing.
Adam Gray
Adam Gray is an experienced motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for supercarblondie.com. Before joining the Supercar Blondie team, Adam was Motoring Editor for Portfolio North magazine, North East Motoring Editor at Reach plc, and provided motoring content on a freelance basis to several lifestyle and business publications in the North of England. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
