New Tesla Model 3 Unveiled

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Tesla Model 3 has been available for six years and has undergone various minor updates during that time. However, the new Project Highland update appears to bring a more comprehensive refresh to the popular mid-sized electric sedan.

One noticeable change is the smoother and cleaner front fascia, which no longer features the small fog light pods and has sleeker headlights with integrated daytime running lights. Additionally, the front fenders and doors have a new strake around the turn signal area.

The rear of the Model 3 also sees changes, with a diffuser-like arrangement cutting into the bumper and redesigned rear tails with a modern claw-like design. While the limited resolution of the photos makes it difficult to assess the exact extent of these changes, it is clear that Tesla has made efforts to enhance the car's appearance.

Aside from the visible updates, the Project Highland refresh aims to make broader changes to the Model 3's fundamentals. Tesla plans to reduce component counts for cost savings while ensuring the car maintains a fresh external and interior appearance to appeal to customers.

In terms of range, updated figures for the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 show improvements compared to the current model. The standard model achieves 344 miles with 18-inch wheels, while the Long Range model achieves an impressive 421 miles. These figures represent an approximate 12 percent increase in range. It's important to note that U.S. market figures may differ due to the EPA's testing cycle.

Inside the Model 3, there are also updates. The interior features aluminum and new fabric materials, along with a fresh ambient lighting system. Tesla has improved the cabin's acoustics with new glass and soundproofing materials. Other changes include a new 8-inch rear display screen with infotainment and climate controls, steering-mounted controls to replace column-mounted stalks, and slimmer bezels on the main 15.4-inch infotainment screen.

Sources indicate that production of the Project Highland update will begin at Gigafactory Shanghai, with some indications suggesting that manufacturing has already started. Tesla's Fremont, California plant will likely produce the new facelift models as well. Deliveries are expected to start in October for Europe and the Middle East, although availability for the U.S. market has not been announced yet.

A refresh for the Model 3 is logical considering the increasing competition in the EV sedan market. Tesla faces new rivals every year, and the company hopes that this update, combined with its aggressive pricing strategy, will help maintain strong sales.

FutureCar Staff