New images have surfaced online of the updated Tesla Model 3. These images show the refreshed electric vehicle in more detail than previous prototypes and confirm that the visual alterations made to the car will be minor.
This particular Model 3 prototype was spied testing near the company’s factory in Fremont, California. It can be seen with black body cladding across both the front and rear fascias that does a good job of hiding the design changes that have been made. One aspect of the car that is not hidden is the wheels.
Read: Refreshed Tesla Model 3 ‘Project Highland’ Caught Ahead Of Launch Later This Year
The 18-inch wheels in question have a fresh and modern design unlike any other we’ve seen in the past from Tesla. Each of the spokes is angled slightly rear-ward, making it look like the wheels are in motion when the car is stationary. In all likelihood, these wheels will come equipped from the factory with plastic aero covers to aid in the vehicle’s aerodynamics but these aero covers should be removable.
Like the current Model 3, this prototype has a small camera housed in the front quarter panel. However, the shroud of this camera now flares out into the front door of the EV, giving it a design similar to the Model X. It’s only a small change but will have forced Tesla to make new front door skins for the Model S.
It is understood that the refreshed Model 3 will start to use the same large casting technology as the Model Y which uses large single-casted parts to replace dozens of individual parts. This improves manufacturing efficiency.
Various other visual alterations will likely be made to the Tesla, including revised front and rear fascias with new bumpers as well as updated headlights and taillights. Reports suggest that the interior could also be altered and become even more minimalist.
