Tesla’s Updated Model 3: What We Know So Far

Tesla’s test engineers have been spotted testing the updated Model 3, code-named “Project Highlands,” on public roads in California. Twitter user @klwtts shared photos of the camouflaged test car, revealing more of the tail and headlights than before. The photos suggest that the lighting elements will change when the car is updated, and the rear-facing cameras are more stylistically integrated into the body, with new design lines that stretch backward. Reports suggest that the updated Model 3 will enter production in September of this year in Shanghai and California, with a similar update to the Model Y expected to follow soon after.

Redesigned Exterior

The updated Model 3 is expected to have a redesigned exterior that will more efficiently make use of Tesla’s “giga presses.” The car was spotted with slightly less camouflage than before, revealing more of the tail and headlights. Although it’s still hard to get a good sense of what the car will look like when it drops all of its camo, the photos suggest that the lighting elements will change when the car is updated. The rear-facing cameras are more stylistically integrated into the body, with new design lines that stretch backward. Whether this decision will have any functional effect on the tools remains to be seen, but @klwtts suggests that it’s evidence that they will be updated “Hardware 4.0” cameras.

Simplifying the Interior

Previous reports have indicated that Project Highlands will make the Model 3 even more minimalistic, especially inside. Drone footage captured in May suggests that like the Model S and X, the Model 3 will lose any stalks behind the steering, and that all functions (even the gear selection) will be handled either by the steering wheel controls or the infotainment screen. Simplifying the interior and redesigning the exterior should help drive down costs. The automaker has been leaning on its high-profit margins as pressure on the EV market from larger companies and an economic downturn causes other startups to falter.

Production and Release

Reports suggest that the updated Model 3 will enter production in September of this year in Shanghai and California. The car should be ready to be sold for the 2024 model year. A similar update to the Model Y is expected to follow soon after. The updated Model 3 is expected to have a redesigned exterior that will more efficiently make use of Tesla’s “giga presses.” The car was spotted with slightly less camouflage than before, revealing more of the tail and headlights. Although it’s still hard to get a good sense of what the car will look like when it drops all of its camo, the photos suggest that the lighting elements will change when the car is updated. The rear-facing cameras are more stylistically integrated into the body, with new design lines that stretch backward. Whether this decision will have any functional effect on the tools remains to be seen, but @klwtts suggests that it’s evidence that they will be updated “Hardware 4.0” cameras.

Conclusion

The updated Model 3, code-named “Project Highlands,” is expected to have a redesigned exterior that will more efficiently make use of Tesla’s “giga presses.” The car was spotted with slightly less camouflage than before, revealing more of the tail and headlights. Although it’s still hard to get a good sense of what the car will look like when it drops all of its camo, the photos suggest that the lighting elements will change when the car is updated. The rear-facing cameras are more stylistically integrated into the body, with new design lines that stretch backward. Whether this decision will have any functional effect on the tools remains to be seen, but @klwtts suggests that it’s evidence that they will be updated “Hardware 4.0” cameras. Reports suggest that the updated Model 3 will enter production in September of this year in Shanghai and California, with a similar update to the Model Y expected to follow soon after. Simplifying the interior and redesigning the exterior should help drive down costs, as Tesla leans on its high-profit margins amidst pressure on the EV market from larger companies and an economic downturn causing other startups to falter.