With the prototypes spotted and the indiscretions credited by Reuters, it seems obvious that Tesla is working on a new Model 3. What should we expect? Let’s do a check in.
For months, Tesla has reportedly been working on a Model 3 refresh, a project dubbed “Highland.” One of the most popular Tesla would, once again, be entitled to a new variant.
What is the “Highland” project?
First of all, “Highland” comes from Highland Parkthe cradle of the Ford assembly line built in 1907 in Michigan in the United States.
This assembly plant was designed by the architect Albert Kahn, the objective was to significantly increase the amount of cars built, the Model T at the time, to significantly reduce its manufacturing cost. This code name was unveiled by Reuters, with testimonies as sources. It would be directly linked to the restyling of the Model 3.
What to expect from the next Tesla Model 3?
As you have certainly understood here, the objective of the restyling of the Model 3, one of the most popular models at Tesla, is to reduce its manufacturing cost to lower its price. Which would be a real blow for Tesla’s competitors, especially after the recent price drop.
The future restyled Tesla Model 3 would already be in the test phase. A Model 3 with camouflaged front and rear bumpers has been spotted several times.
Not to take away from the Cybertruck sighting but… #ProjectHighland #Model3 @You’re here @ElonMusk pic.twitter.com/KWu2pqtpfy
— The Kilowatts ?⚡️ (@klwtts) February 3, 2023
Like the previous prototype, it is difficult to see the changes due to the camouflage covering the front and rear ends of the vehicle. The changes would be, again, we use the conditional, changes to the bumpers and powertrain. This would reduce the number of components used, and therefore the manufacturing cost.
This practice of camouflaging facelifts is common in the automotive industry. This was already the case with the Model Y. Besides, Tesla had fun with this, as you can see with the photo of a Model Y prototype crossed in Germany.
Note that this new pattern is not only spotted in the wild. Reuters said it received information from four people with knowledge of Tesla’s plans. In addition, new components would be referenced, including a new radar that is not used on current models.
These improvements could result in weight reduction and improvements in fuel efficiency, as well as ease of manufacture. This will certainly have consequences on the performance of the vehicle, including its power and its autonomy. Moreover, this new Model 3 should also be equipped with Tesla’s “Hardware 4” computer for Autopilot and autonomous driving.
For the time being, no information has yet been officially revealed on the additional functionalities brought by Hardware 4. This new computer would require fewer sensors and cameras, which is currently agitating the Tesla community, but the cameras would bring a improved definition and increased resistance to the vagaries of the weather.
Today, there are eight cameras in Tesla vehicles: three in the front, one in the back, two in the door pillars and two in the front fenders. This allows the vehicle to have 360-degree visibility up to a distance of 250 meters, and the redundancy of the front cameras ensures that it can see any obstacles with near certainty.
The latest news about Hardware 4 (the fourth generation of hardware for Autopilot) shows, however, that the front cameras will only be two in number, instead of three so far. The definition would nevertheless be improved, going from 1.2 to 5 megapixels.
In the meantime, a Twitter user commented on the photos of the prototype, writing “Cybertruck and Project Highland parked next door. It’s going to be another exciting year for Tesla. “. Elon Musk liked this tweet… but that’s not why we have a confirmation of the “Highland” project. You will therefore have to be patient.
Let’s hope that the Model 3 restyling offers expected changes, including the arrival of a tailgate, a front camera or a second screen in front of the driver. You can still believe it…
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