Tesla Model Y Juniper Prototype Makes Another Appearance on US Roads Amid Ongoing Speculation

The Tesla Model Y Juniper prototype has been seen once more on US roads, intensifying rumors about possible updates to the electric crossover, even as Elon Musk downplays any significant changes this year.

Tesla Model Y Juniper Prototype Seen on US Roads Again

Even though Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has been playing down the possibility of Model Y updates on social media, people have been seeing what appear to be prototype units of the all-electric crossover driving around in disguise, Teslarati shares.

The most recent sighting was captured on camera while traveling around the Bay Area.

Steering System Tested at High Speeds

Reddit users in the r/TeslaMotors forum gave the photo of the disguised Model Y a lot of love after it was posted. It appeared like the driver of the disguised Tesla was testing the Model Y's steering system at approximately 70 mph, as pointed out by u/sheffield712, the user who submitted the photo of the car.

This newly discovered Model Y prototype shares several characteristics with other purported "Project Juniper" vehicles, most notably the complete covering of the vehicle's back end.

Up until now, Tesla has been tight-lipped about any plans to upgrade the Model Y. However, a late July car leak suggested some interesting new features that could be added to the electric crossover.

There were two photographs circulated on social media at the time that were purportedly of a Tesla Model Y "Juniper" prototype. But one of the photos supposedly revealed some of the revised Model Y's back end, which is different from earlier sightings of the car. of which, intriguingly, appeared to bear the letters "Tesla" illuminated by a light bar.

Tesla Community Excited by Leaked Photos

The stolen images piqued the excitement of Tesla community members since, before seeing it, there was widespread belief that the Model Y would likely receive improvements comparable to those made to the redesigned Tesla Model 3 car.

A red light bar is absent from the new Model 3, thus, the leaked photo of the back of the Model Y "Juniper" prototype led many to believe that the all-electric crossover is receiving more upgrades than previously thought.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors, has been quite clear on X that the all-electric crossover will not be getting a "refresh" this year, despite the fact that seeing covered Model Y units on public roads is exciting. "Tesla continuously improves its cars, so even a car that is 6 months newer will be a little better," Musk did mention nevertheless.