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Images shared online show a mysterious camouflage sedan in the snow of Queenstown.
Tesla enthusiasts in New Zealand were thrilled late last month with news that the first Tesla Cybertruck had arrived in the country, albeit in testing stages. Well, new images from Cardrona show that Cybertruck may not have been the only new Tesla to make the trip.
Images shared online show a mysterious camouflage sedan, photographed alongside other Tesla rafts in the snow in Queenstown, suggesting the vehicle is the successor to Tesla’s popular Model 3. speculation is widespread. Known internally as “Project Hyland”.
After being first published on the Cybertruck Owners Forum via a user named MarkusNZL, the image quickly went viral on social media and was picked up by dedicated electric vehicle media outlets such as: InsideEV.
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On the right, between the black prototype and the gunmetal Model S in the background, you can get a peek at the rear end of Japan’s first Cybertruck.
Images shared online appear to show at least two of these mysterious Teslas. The Cybertruck reported in late June is also distinctive, with camouflage-painted rear ends around the sides of the sheds behind the two alleged Highlands.
A fleet of Model X and Model S units are also shown in the image. Both models were recently culled from Tesla’s entire right-hand drive market, including New Zealand.
Tesla may be making a movie showing all of its vehicles being tested in the snow, similar to the video posted on the company’s YouTube channel last December (you can watch the video below). ).
The Tesla Model 3 has inherited a number of software updates since it hit the market about six years ago, but the Hyland represents the first major nameplate refresh.
Tesla is reportedly working hard to make the upcoming Model 3 alternative more affordable, while also updating the styling with a pair of new front and rear-end fascias.
InsideEV The former affordability point is achieved by Tesla’s internal drive to reduce the number of parts in each car, reportedly simplifying manufacturing and theoretically making each unit less expensive to produce.
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This unconfirmed image, which allegedly shows the next-gen Model 3 without camouflage, first surfaced online in April.
For several years, Tesla has used the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground Snow Facility in Cardrona for cold weather testing. In fact, the first sightings of the Model 3 and Model Y in New Zealand were in the snow.
The news follows the release of images leaked online three months ago that claimed to show a new look for the Model 3 update punctuated by a simplified grille area and slimmer headlights. is.
Local demand for the Model 3 has dried up significantly after the introduction of the larger Model Y last year, but it remains one of the most popular electric vehicles in the country, with about 600 units sold in the first six months of 2023. It was delivered.
