Photo: @klwtts via Twitter | Edited
Tesla insiders claim the refreshed Tesla Model 3 will be a significant overhaul with some groundbreaking features. Among them are a new steer-by-wire system, matrix LED headlights, and HW4 with more cameras, making the Project Highland the most desirable model in Tesla's lineup.
Although initial rumors indicated that the refreshed Model 3 would be a minor redesign of the existing model, crippled by cost-cutting measures, recent reports point in the opposite direction. Tesla would want to reduce manufacturing costs as much as possible, so there are features that might disappear. But Project Highland will also introduce new-to-Tesla technologies, boosting the Model 3's appeal.
Based on earlier reports, the upcoming Tesla Model 3 will have ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a better-sounding audio system. A new report by Teslascope confirms these rumors and should be reasonably accurate as it is based on talks with Tesla employees involved in the Model 3 development. The report offers the best glimpse of the Project Highland features yet, with many exciting details. Teslascope's reports have proven rock solid in the past. Of course, features rumored before but not confirmed by this report could still prove accurate.
To the relief of those lamenting the lack of ultrasonic sensors, it appears that Tesla finally conceded that Tesla Vision needs a little help for better parking assistance. The Model 3 will come with Hardware 4 cameras, like all other Tesla models, including the Model Y. Still, the updated design comes with a redesigned bumper featuring an additional camera, a long-time rumor finally confirmed. The refreshed Model 3 is, thus, the first Tesla model to feature a front bumper camera to eliminate blind spots in front of the car. This should offer better distance readings and park-assist features.
The most significant change announced by the report is the inclusion of a steer-by-wire system together with yoke steering. Steer-by-wire signifies that there's no physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Everything is controlled by actuators, like in modern airliners. Tesla recently filed a patent for such a system, although that doesn't guarantee that it would use it in a production model so soon. I'd take this information with a grain of salt, as this is a significant change that would probably be better suited for a completely new vehicle, such as the Cybertruck. Still, it's not impossible that Tesla designed an adaptive steering system comparable to the one offered on the Lexus RZ.
The upcoming Model 3 will also have a redesigned interior, with many details borrowed from the Model S. Tesla will use primarily recycled materials inside the cabin. Tesla employees confirmed that a rear infotainment screen might be offered, as it was featured in some prototypes, but there's no guarantee. The stalks are confirmed missing, with gear changes performed via the main screen.
There is no information about the delivery timeline or technical details about motors, battery capacity, charging suspension, or other significant components. Rumors indicate that the first deliveries should start by the end of the year, and the new Model 3 will feature megacastings and a structural battery pack. It will also come with hairpin motors and, probably, an LMFP battery pack instead of the LFP in the RWD version.
Based on earlier reports, the upcoming Tesla Model 3 will have ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a better-sounding audio system. A new report by Teslascope confirms these rumors and should be reasonably accurate as it is based on talks with Tesla employees involved in the Model 3 development. The report offers the best glimpse of the Project Highland features yet, with many exciting details. Teslascope's reports have proven rock solid in the past. Of course, features rumored before but not confirmed by this report could still prove accurate.
To the relief of those lamenting the lack of ultrasonic sensors, it appears that Tesla finally conceded that Tesla Vision needs a little help for better parking assistance. The Model 3 will come with Hardware 4 cameras, like all other Tesla models, including the Model Y. Still, the updated design comes with a redesigned bumper featuring an additional camera, a long-time rumor finally confirmed. The refreshed Model 3 is, thus, the first Tesla model to feature a front bumper camera to eliminate blind spots in front of the car. This should offer better distance readings and park-assist features.
The most significant change announced by the report is the inclusion of a steer-by-wire system together with yoke steering. Steer-by-wire signifies that there's no physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Everything is controlled by actuators, like in modern airliners. Tesla recently filed a patent for such a system, although that doesn't guarantee that it would use it in a production model so soon. I'd take this information with a grain of salt, as this is a significant change that would probably be better suited for a completely new vehicle, such as the Cybertruck. Still, it's not impossible that Tesla designed an adaptive steering system comparable to the one offered on the Lexus RZ.
The upcoming Model 3 will also have a redesigned interior, with many details borrowed from the Model S. Tesla will use primarily recycled materials inside the cabin. Tesla employees confirmed that a rear infotainment screen might be offered, as it was featured in some prototypes, but there's no guarantee. The stalks are confirmed missing, with gear changes performed via the main screen.
There is no information about the delivery timeline or technical details about motors, battery capacity, charging suspension, or other significant components. Rumors indicate that the first deliveries should start by the end of the year, and the new Model 3 will feature megacastings and a structural battery pack. It will also come with hairpin motors and, probably, an LMFP battery pack instead of the LFP in the RWD version.
We're excited to present an informational thread about the upcoming Tesla Highland (Model 3 Redesign)! ????
— Teslascope (@teslascope) June 22, 2023
Highland represents Tesla's continued innovation and ingenuity over the last sixteen years, with the most significant refresh of an existing model. Buckle up!
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