Photo: EstherKokkelman on Twitter / ADV.1 Wheels / autoevolution edit
The all-new Model 3 has been at the center of most people's attention lately. That became especially true as of late because the owner's manual was recently added to the carmaker's website. But even some Chinese auto executives popped by the brand's IAA Mobility booth to take a good look at what this zero-tailpipe emission machine can do.
NIO's boss, for example, was quite curious. He spent a good chunk of time there. Too bad he missed the light show!
One of the most interesting things we uncovered about the all-new Model 3 before anyone else figured it out was the position of its backup gear selector. Tesla trusts its two main systems so much that it has put the manual controls on the vehicle's ceiling, between the dome lights. It's an interesting choice, to say the least. But it probably makes sense production costs-wise. Instead of giving customers two stalks – one for the indicators, one for choosing the right gear – the brand decided to simplify everything.
While it might take some time to adjust to the new controls, it certainly isn't impossible to figure out how to signal using the haptic feedback buttons on the steering wheel, get going with Autostart, or interact with the screen to choose P, R, N, or D if the car can't figure it out by itself. Otherwise, regulators wouldn't have allowed Tesla to go so far with making an already minimalist cabin into an even simpler one.
But what Tesla decided not to skimp on is the headlights. They look like LEDs with matrix functionality, according to the video below. However, please be advised that the hardware is there, but the software isn't. Previously, some Tesla EVs were shipped with matrix headlamps. Some customers reported on various platforms that their post-2022 units had these new road illumination assemblies, while others were told by the service centers that their cars didn't have them.
Photo: EstherKokkelman on Twitter (X)
What's certain is that Tesla makes matrix headlights and will put them on some of its models, but it cannot activate the functionality in the US. Although the main rules have changed to allow automakers to bring this useful tech stateside, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is still asking for more than what the international standard (SAE J3069) includes. That's what's supposedly delaying the implementation of this functionality.
But the facelifted Model 3 was recently caught at IAA Mobility 2023, showing off its new headlamps and amber indicators. While Max Carlisle's "Auld Lang Syne in the City" was playing through the new and improved sound system, the daytime running lights (DRLs), the LED strip used for signaling, the low beams, and the high beams gave visitors the first-ever personalized light show.
Remember that this feature can work in sync with other Tesla vehicles, and some clubs have created record-breaking such performances. So, it can get even more interesting than this!
Besides that, the footage shows us that the new design language used for Tesla's new budget-friendly all-electric sedan makes it look like the swanky Aston Martin Vantage from some angles. It's quite a compliment! The two vehicles couldn't be more different, but it's obvious that Tesla wanted an enhanced look for the refreshed 2024 Model 3.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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