Yet another camouflaged prototype of what appears to be the updated Tesla Model 3 electric sedan has been spotted in China ahead of a potential launch before the end of the year.

    This latest spied Model 3 prototype was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Drive Tesla Canada, showing it has thick black wraps on the front and rear. Prototypes like this have been seen for more than eight months now in China and the USA.

    As previously reported, the Tesla Model 3 update, known internally as Project Highland, will be a “complete overhaul” with a major refresh inside and out.

    Previous leaked imagery showed it will have a new headlight design, and another spied prototype revealed there could be slimmer tail lights with body-colour elements.

    Other leaked information and reports have indicated the updated Model 3 could receive an instrument cluster ahead of the driver, steer-by-wire technology, RGB ambient interior lighting, matrix LED headlights, an upgraded sound system, revised seats designed to reduce vibrations, heated and ventilated seats, as well as a rear touchscreen.

    Tesla has confirmed it will no longer rely on ultrasonic sensors with its Tesla Vision system, instead relying solely on footage supplied by cameras around the vehicle to supply data.

    The Model 3 will reportedly feature a single camera in the centre of its front bumper plus two new cameras, one on each side of the vehicle. The cameras will reportedly be 5.0 megapixels.

    At this stage it’s still unclear when Tesla will unveil the updated Model 3. Tesla CEO was recently in China visiting the Gigafactory, which sparked rumours about a reveal, however this wasn’t the case.

    Tesla China is remaining tight-lipped about the updated electric sedan too after production of the Model 3 stalled.

    MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3

    Jack Quick

    Jack Quick is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne. Jack studied journalism and photography at Deakin University in Burwood, and previously represented the university in dance nationally. In his spare time, he loves to pump Charli XCX and play a bit of Grand Theft Auto. He’s also the proud owner of a blue, manual 2020 Suzuki Jimny.

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