- This Model 3 wears a gold finish that even covers the roof and rear window.
- Tesla added multiple new exterior cameras to this curious prototype vehicle.
- Could be a Cybercab test mule or an early version of Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi.
Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions appear to be moving from concept to curb, with autonomous testing expected to begin later this month on the streets of Austin, Texas. Meanwhile, a curious-looking Model 3 prototype spotted in San Jose is stirring up speculation. Whether it’s a one-off experiment or a cleverly disguised test mule for the upcoming Cybercab, one thing’s clear; it’s not your typical Tesla.
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The prototype was recently caught on video in a public parking lot in California and was wearing Texas manufacturer plates, meaning this was definitely not a privately owned car. Just like the Cybercab Tesla showed several months ago, the entire exterior of the prototype is finished in matte gold, which could be either a wrap or paint. The gold extends across the special aero covers on the wheels and even blocks out the entire rear window and the glass roof.
Read: Tesla’s Robotaxi And Cybercab Might Need New Names
There are some other interesting things going on with this particular Model 3.Up front, a new camera juts out from the bumper, and on the sides, the usual integrated cameras have been swapped for makeshift units crudely screwed into the quarter panels. Another additional camera has been tacked onto the trunk lid, rounding out the prototype’s growing collection of eyeballs.
@WholeMarsBlog @DirtyTesLa @AIDRIVR what the hell is this thing?? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ATYxTrXEeV
— Andrew Lopez (@ASVPxdrizzle) June 2, 2025
Perhaps leading credence to the theory that this is a test mule for the Cybercab is that the rear side windows have been blanked out, and sitting behind them are fixed camera units. The Cybercab showcased by Tesla last October had cameras in this very same position, unlike any other current Tesla model. Curiously, the B-pillar trim was missing from this car.
Unless, of course, you know, someone at Tesla decided that the same genius move that replaced turn stalks with steering wheel buttons should be extended to axing the glass roof and rear window for the sake of efficiency.
Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has said that production of the Cybercab will start before 2027, and indicated that prices will kick off from less than $30,000. Those are audacious targets, particularly for a carmaker like Tesla that is so well known for missing its production targets.
#Tesla #Cameras #Rear #Window #Anyones #Guess
