Photo: @omg_tesla via X
Tesla started deliveries of the Model 3 Highland in Europe, China, and other markets, but not in North America. It appears that the EV maker will reserve a treat for its US customers, who might be the first to get the Performance variant.
Tesla has been working on a refreshed Model 3 for over a year already. Although the Model 3 Highland has been released on the other side of the Atlantic (and the Pacific), it has yet to appear in North America. Considering that the updates to the Model 3 were the result of the Tesla China R&D team's work, it made sense that the refreshed model would first start production at Giga Shanghai.
Tesla China team has done a tremendous job refining the Model 3. The new model has a more streamlined design and upscale features, having been improved in many areas. Still, people in the US were puzzled to discover that Tesla is still testing camouflaged prototypes of the refreshed Model 3. Tesla fans suspected that the Model 3 EVs with covered front and rear might be different from the ones that started deliveries in Europe.
This has also prompted speculations about the US model being more tailored to the local customers' tastes. After all, if the MiC Model 3 was designed and engineered in China, why not have a US-specific variant? Given the cost reduction drive at Tesla, we can safely rule out this possibility. The Model 3 that will enter production in Fremont will not differ much from the one exported from China.
This has become obvious after we've spotted uncamouflaged Model 3 Highland vehicles with Chinese lettering testing on US roads. After all, Tesla wouldn't have brought them stateside for tests if they were not meant to drive on US roads.
We also have information that suggests Tesla will reserve a surprise for its US customers. So far, only the RWD and Long Range variants have been revealed. Tesla will likely announce the Performance Model 3 Highland in the US before starting deliveries in other countries.
This possibility is supported by the fact that the sportier variant of Tesla's electric sedan is already testing on US roads. If you were wondering why the Model 3 prototypes are still covered, the Model 3 Performance is the reason. Those front and rear covers will drop when the refreshed Model 3 Performance is announced. Until then, we still speculate about the changes that will come with the refreshed model.
Considering the front and rear spoilers are covered, these are the most obvious parts that differ from the RWD and LR variants. A new prototype spotted in California brings something new to the table. Unlike previous sightings, the Ultra Red prototype featured red brake calipers, a strong indication that this is indeed the Performance variant. Although the Model 3 Performance is still under wraps, European certification documents hint at a significant performance boost.
Tesla China team has done a tremendous job refining the Model 3. The new model has a more streamlined design and upscale features, having been improved in many areas. Still, people in the US were puzzled to discover that Tesla is still testing camouflaged prototypes of the refreshed Model 3. Tesla fans suspected that the Model 3 EVs with covered front and rear might be different from the ones that started deliveries in Europe.
This has also prompted speculations about the US model being more tailored to the local customers' tastes. After all, if the MiC Model 3 was designed and engineered in China, why not have a US-specific variant? Given the cost reduction drive at Tesla, we can safely rule out this possibility. The Model 3 that will enter production in Fremont will not differ much from the one exported from China.
This has become obvious after we've spotted uncamouflaged Model 3 Highland vehicles with Chinese lettering testing on US roads. After all, Tesla wouldn't have brought them stateside for tests if they were not meant to drive on US roads.
We also have information that suggests Tesla will reserve a surprise for its US customers. So far, only the RWD and Long Range variants have been revealed. Tesla will likely announce the Performance Model 3 Highland in the US before starting deliveries in other countries.
This possibility is supported by the fact that the sportier variant of Tesla's electric sedan is already testing on US roads. If you were wondering why the Model 3 prototypes are still covered, the Model 3 Performance is the reason. Those front and rear covers will drop when the refreshed Model 3 Performance is announced. Until then, we still speculate about the changes that will come with the refreshed model.
Considering the front and rear spoilers are covered, these are the most obvious parts that differ from the RWD and LR variants. A new prototype spotted in California brings something new to the table. Unlike previous sightings, the Ultra Red prototype featured red brake calipers, a strong indication that this is indeed the Performance variant. Although the Model 3 Performance is still under wraps, European certification documents hint at a significant performance boost.
???????? I spotted the new Performance Highland Model 3 yesterday. Red calipers pic.twitter.com/Xwxw3rp5WX
— omg_Tesla/Rivian (@omg_tesla) November 7, 2023
Google News