The area near Hillview Avenue and Coyote Hill Rd in Palo Alto has become a prime location for sightings of various unreleased Tesla vehicles. This vicinity, close to Tesla’s Palo Alto headquarters just below Deer Creek Rd, is frequently used for testing upcoming cars, including the Cybertruck and the refreshed Model 3 Highland.
Recently, the upcoming Model Y Juniper facelift has been spotted driving in this area, covered in camouflage as any test vehicle would be. Initial sightings showed the car parked and later with its camouflage partially lifted, revealing a unique light bar with the Tesla logo at the rear.
Most notably, the Model Y Juniper was observed driving “erratically” at about 70 mph, swerving rapidly within its lane, mimicking the way race cars warm up their tires. This suggests that Tesla may be testing new suspension tweaks and handling capabilities for the vehicle, which is expected to be released next year. However, the car’s abrupt maneuvers made it difficult for observers to capture more than a single distant photograph.
Previous sightings of the Model 3 Highland test mules were spotted about nine months before its official launch, indicating that the release of the Model Y Juniper might be pushed to 2025. Elon Musk has already indicated that no new Model Y will be released this year to avoid cannibalizing the sales of its current popular model and because the focus is on ramping up Cybertruck production.
The Model Y, introduced in 2020, aligns with Tesla’s strategy of updating its vehicles every few years. The anticipated 2025 facelift will likely include enhanced suspension, improved noise isolation, a refined interior with ambient lighting, and new technology upgrades such as an 800V powertrain and a 48V low-voltage system.
