Tesla Model 3 Highland testing video shows new blinkers and tail lights as it dons HW4 cameras

Tesla is preparing to release a redesigned Model 3 that has already been caught in spy shots with new headlights and a sportier, more aggressive look. It will reportedly be longer than the current Model 3 that is getting a bit long in the tooth itself, too. Elon Musk was supposed to showcase the prototypes available in the Shanghai Gigafactory that he visited last week during his work trip in China.

Said showcase didn't happen, at least for the general public, but the Highland Model 3 refresh has been spotted road testing on the street of California with camouflage on. This time around the test mule only had its front and rear covered, so besides the fresh headlight shape a few new tidbits could be seen on the redesigned sedan.

It appears that the new Model 3 that is expected to be released in the fall will have a whole new illumination set, including overhauled tail lists and blinkers. Moreover, the protruding FSD cameras on the sides are seemingly of the latest Hardware 4.0 type that Tesla recently started installing on the Model Y as well. They sport larger Samsung sensors of much higher resolution, plus HW4 comes with a new FSD computer and more cameras, including one in the front bumper like on the Cybertruck, a spot for which was seen in a previous Model 3 Highland Model 3 spy shot.

There will also be a more minimalist interior, but the biggest expectation is that Tesla may cut the new Model 3 production costs even further by reworking the castings and removing redundant parts. Elon Musk is on record saying to investors that Tesla aims at a significant cost reduction, but whether that will lead to lower retail prices or to margin preservation instead, remains to be seen.

Tesla recently spread the critical materials percentage in the Model 3 batteries across the lineup so that it was able to maximize the new EV tax credit of the US government and make all trims qualify for the full amount. Yesterday, the government made the Model 3 RWD's US$7,500 subsidy official so that its price can now fall below the coveted US$25,000 mark in states with EV purchase incentives that are stackable with the government's bonus. If Tesla manages to transfer some of the Model 3 Highland production cost savings to the buyer as well, its price may cross that affordability threshold in the other states, too.

Get the 48A Tesla Wall Connector with 24" cable on Amazon