Photo: Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 redesign was a pleasant surprise when it first leaked in April, but few people know that this is owed to the Tesla China engineering team. According to a new video shared on Weibo by Tesla China's official account, Chinese customers were the main focus of the redesign.
When we first heard the rumors about a Model 3 redesign, everyone talked about cutting costs and removing features while keeping appearances. The Project Highland, as it was called, was dismissed as a push to cripple Tesla's most affordable model. The Model 3 might not be Tesla's bestseller anymore, but it's still the one that started the EV revolution and is hugely important for many car buyers. After all, not everyone fancies the Model Y, despite its many advantages over its smaller brother.
As more information about the Model 3 redesign came to light, it became clear that this would be the most radical change of a Tesla model ever attempted. The EV maker was harshly criticized because the refreshed Model S and Model X were not much different from the original models. Tesla acknowledged this and gave the Model 3 much deeper modifications. This became clear in April when the first picture of the refreshed Model 3 leaked in China.
Many Project Highland prototypes were later spotted in the US. Nevertheless, we soon found out that the revamped Model 3 would start production at Giga Shanghai, not Fremont. This made people wonder, why China? A video shared by Tesla China on its Weibo account offers the answer to this question. In the video, Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy discusses the redesigned Model 3, offering more insight into its development.
Moravy congratulates the engineering team that created "the best Model 3" using all the knowledge Tesla acquired over the past six years since the original Model 3 was launched. Tesla executive also revealed that the development of the refreshed model is mostly the work of Tesla China's engineering team. This explains why the most sensitive leaks happened in China and why the production started there as well.
Moravy praised the Tesla China team for its work on the Model 3, saying that "it's all a bit like artwork." Many would agree, especially in China, since the design changes have been made to suit Chinese customers' tastes first and foremost. Others prefer to look at the empty half of the glass and notice there are no stalks, no ultrasonic sensors, less power, and less speed. It's too early to call the game, though, as long as the refreshed Model 3 is still not shipping to customers.
The Model 3 Highland has many features that bring Tesla's base model into the future. Those driving the car claim it's more comfortable and has better sound insulation. Tesla also promises improved efficiency thanks to better aerodynamics and drive unit changes. Still, a big disappointment stems from the fact that Tesla is not using single-piece megacastings to build the refreshed Model 3, at least not at Giga Shanghai. We'll keep an eye on the Fremont-built Model 3 when it enters production to see if there's any difference.
As more information about the Model 3 redesign came to light, it became clear that this would be the most radical change of a Tesla model ever attempted. The EV maker was harshly criticized because the refreshed Model S and Model X were not much different from the original models. Tesla acknowledged this and gave the Model 3 much deeper modifications. This became clear in April when the first picture of the refreshed Model 3 leaked in China.
Many Project Highland prototypes were later spotted in the US. Nevertheless, we soon found out that the revamped Model 3 would start production at Giga Shanghai, not Fremont. This made people wonder, why China? A video shared by Tesla China on its Weibo account offers the answer to this question. In the video, Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy discusses the redesigned Model 3, offering more insight into its development.
Moravy congratulates the engineering team that created "the best Model 3" using all the knowledge Tesla acquired over the past six years since the original Model 3 was launched. Tesla executive also revealed that the development of the refreshed model is mostly the work of Tesla China's engineering team. This explains why the most sensitive leaks happened in China and why the production started there as well.
Moravy praised the Tesla China team for its work on the Model 3, saying that "it's all a bit like artwork." Many would agree, especially in China, since the design changes have been made to suit Chinese customers' tastes first and foremost. Others prefer to look at the empty half of the glass and notice there are no stalks, no ultrasonic sensors, less power, and less speed. It's too early to call the game, though, as long as the refreshed Model 3 is still not shipping to customers.
The Model 3 Highland has many features that bring Tesla's base model into the future. Those driving the car claim it's more comfortable and has better sound insulation. Tesla also promises improved efficiency thanks to better aerodynamics and drive unit changes. Still, a big disappointment stems from the fact that Tesla is not using single-piece megacastings to build the refreshed Model 3, at least not at Giga Shanghai. We'll keep an eye on the Fremont-built Model 3 when it enters production to see if there's any difference.
Source: https://t.co/vnw9sbsN81
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) September 27, 2023
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