Tesla Model 3: new angle on the black release candidate spotted testing

As we reported when we posted new pictures of the blue Tesla Model 3 release candidate last week, it’s interesting how different the prototypes can look with each new sightings considering we have relatively little footage of them and we get new angles.

In a new sighting of the black Model 3 release candidate testing in Palo Alto yesterday (hat tip to Adrian), the Model 3 almost looks like a Model X. It’s not the first time the comparison has been made due to the high b-pillar, but it’s especially clear from that new angle

It looks like Tesla is putting the prototype through its pace. Those vehicles often see thousands of miles in order to test the reliability of its parts and the black release candidate still had a BMW chase car for testing.

You can click on the pictures for a higher resolution:

It also doesn’t seem to have the same sensors on the c-pillar as seen during previous sightings, which were likely for testing purposes and not part of a sensor suite.

The Model 3 release candidates are being tested with different vehicles at different stages of readiness and therefore, we need to be careful before assuming that certain features will be in the production version, which is still expected to be released in July.

While Tesla has several release candidates testing different aspects and production processes, only two different vehicles have been spotted testing on public roads so far.