For the last few months, the automobile world has been abuzz with the news of a refreshed Tesla Model 3 codenamed ‘Project Highland’. From the time the information got out, various groups on the internet were filled with speculations and rumors. Where most of these rumors had no concrete evidence, some did make sense and did add fuel to the fire. This made sense because Tesla has always been secretive about its upcoming projects, so all people could do was put 2 and 2 together.
Recently, a leaked photo of what is claimed to be the new Model 3 found its way to the World Wide Web (Reddit to be precise), and the automobile world hasn’t stopped talking about it since. This is also strange as there are usually no leaks in the Tesla world, but this time, it did happen. Most probably, someone working on the ‘inside’ took this picture and shared with someone who shared it with someone until it went viral on the internet.
The New Tesla Model 3 Will Be An Upgrade Over The Current Model
Even though Tesla has not confirmed anything about the upcoming Model 3, this leaked picture gives us a good enough idea. This leaked picture, clubbed with whatever information that has been doing rounds on the internet, gives a clear enough picture of what to expect from ‘Project Highland’. The new Model 3 is supposed to undergo several updates over the current version ranging from the infotainment system to the exterior to the powertrain. Tesla is expected to commence the production of the new Model 3 facelift sometime in the third quarter of 2023. This is also the first time when the front section of the new Model 3 is visible in flesh and blood.
One of the few visible changes, according to the picture shared, is the new pair of headlights that seem inspired from the Roadster and the Model S. This also results in a sportier and more aggressive look when compared to the current avatar. According to the leaked image, there are no fog lights in the new Model 3, but it might (or might not) change when the production-ready version is finally revealed in the near future. Some other changes that are expected in the new version include more cameras, redesigned interiors, and the center display angled more towards the driver for better visibility and accessibility.
Fans Aren’t Sure If The Tesla Model 3 Facelift Is Worth Waiting For
That is something we can’t say for sure as yet. Where the existing Model 3 is already a famous car not just in the EV world but generally too. The rumor is that the Tesla Model 3 facelift will arrive minus the temperature sensor to keep the price low. This sensor allowed the occupants of the car to check the temperature outside their car. To overcome this, Tesla will upgrade the GPS module that will work more like the weather app in your smartphone. Not so long ago, Tesla removed the radar sensor in order to make way for an all-camera system, but it eventually led to rise in the numbers of accidents.
This step backfired and caused an uproar among the consumers, but this also allowed Tesla to keep the prices of their cars low. What is eventually going to make it to the production unit is anyone’s guess, but expect more concrete assumptions once it goes into production in a few months from now. The wooden lining on the dashboard will also be sacrificed for a fabric-like finish. This too is a part of the cost cutting procedures Tesla is adopting for its future vehicles. Yes, no one is sure if this leaked image is of the upcoming Model 3 or not, but it surely has got people talking. For what we know for sure is that we will surely be waiting with bated breath.
The Project Highland Might Turn Out To Be A Blockbuster For Tesla
Tesla is one of those manufacturers people are always excited to hear about. It is one of those manufacturers that changed the game when it arrived with its electrified cars. With technology improving with each passing day, EVs are improving every minute too. The top 10 bestsellers in the world include two Tesla models, and that says a lot about the success Tesla is enjoying currently. Where the bestselling Tesla is not the Model 3, but Model Y, Model 3 is still the number two in terms of sales.
Tesla sold over 1.3 million units of both these vehicles combined worldwide in the calendar year 2022, where the Model 3 alone contributed close to 600,000 units out of the 1.355 million units. It would be suicidal to play around with a formula that is already a hit among buyers, but it might also make the new Model 3 the bestseller from Tesla’s garage. What eventually happens, will be clear once it goes for sale sometime either by the end of this year or early 2024. Till then, we will wait for more such scoops.