What can be judged about the M1E3 Abrams design?

Is the M1E3 Abrams prototype mainly an M1A2 with new technology, and is it still too heavy compared with Challenger 3?

The information available is too limited for a confident verdict; the broader concern is repeated updating of older tank designs, including Challenger 3.

The public information available during the discussion is too limited to judge whether M1E3 is simply another M1A2 update or to compare it confidently with Challenger 3. Participants who have seen contemporary commentary describe an interesting outward design without obvious visible faults, while noting that the details needed for a stronger assessment remain classified. The broader criticism concerns Western tank programs repeatedly modifying earlier designs after the post-Cold War peace dividend. Challenger 3 is included in that criticism of repeated upgrades. Clarke also explicitly limits his authority on the technical question: he enjoys tanks but does not claim expertise in current main battle tanks.