Tesla's domination looks set to continue.
The introduction of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 facelift, internally known as “Highland,” has been delayed. This latest news comes via Teslascope on Twitter, a highly-respected source for Tesla-related news. The famous Tesla tracking service appears to have various well-placed sources within the company who gave conflicting answers regarding when Highland will launch.
Some say one to three months, while other sources simply said later this year. Some even said it would only arrive in the first quarter of 2024. It's not all bad news, however. Whatever the timeframe, the facelifted Model 3 seems worth waiting for, as the sources revealed much more than potential on-sale dates.
Now let's get serious. When is the Highland launching? Sadly, that's a confusing topic. ??
With multiple delays already occurring, we've received conflicting opinions from the employees we've spoken to. Some say in 1-3 months, some say later this year. Others have said Q1 2024.
— Teslascope (@teslascope) June 22, 2023
Tesla fans can look forward to an extensively updated exterior and a new interior design resembling the Model S and Model X. Apparently, the spy shots doing the rounds are only an amuse-bouche of what's to come.
Tech-wise, the Model 3 will get steer-by-wire paired with a yoke or regular steering wheel, interior RGB ambient lighting, and matrix LED headlights. These new LEDs will debut on the Model S and Model X in the coming months. Tesla reportedly also experimented with a screen for the rear of the Model 3 for gaming and entertainment purposes.
The automaker has taken recycling efforts to the next level, and more interior components will be made from sustainably-sourced materials. Whether the quality will be on par with vehicles like Hyundai's brilliant Ioniq 5 remains to be seen. While many fanboys would have people believe the overall quality of Tesla's cars has improved, the brand once again fell far short of the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study industry standard, finishing second from last.
Tesla also used customer feedback to make minor improvements, which is always a clever tactic. One example is a small “R” in the rearview mirror when the car is in reverse.
One production is in full swing, all Model 3s will be equipped with the HW4 Autopilot computer, which is the most advanced yet. The Level 2 autonomous feature will rely solely on cameras, but Tesla seems intent on hitting Level 3 and higher in the coming years. To that end, the Model 3's seats have been designed to be more comfortable, making it easier for the driver and passengers to sit back and relax when the car eventually drives itself.
Naturally, this should lead to a hefty price increase, but that's apparently not the case. Tesla wants to keep the price steady, making the Model 3 even more attractive. Thanks to President Biden, you can already get one for less than $35,000. In certain states, the asking price can be as low as 20 grand.
According to Teslascope's sources, the Highland will be the most extensive Tesla facelift ever seen. This isn't an exceptionally high bar, as Tesla rarely partakes in automotive refreshes and doesn't stick to the pragmatic model year rules. The Model S has been around for over a decade and has received a nip and tuck here and there, but that's about it. This is not a criticism but more a reflection of Tesla's groundbreaking production methods.
It can make significant changes at its production facilities at a moment's notice, not to mention the ability to keep its cars feel modern via over-the-air updates. Still, project Highland is an entirely new ground for Tesla, so it will be interesting to see how the American automaker handles its first-ever full-blown product revamp.
We suspect the Model Y is next in line for a refresh considering its status as both Tesla's best-seller and the best-selling vehicle in the world.
Let's recap today's thread:
? Highland is the most extensive refresh to any existing model in Tesla's history.
? A modernized, redesigned interior resembling the newest Model S/X.
? More recycled materials.
? HW4 + new cameras.
? Similar price as the current generation.
— Teslascope (@teslascope) June 22, 2023
Keyword: Insider Info Reveals Tesla Model 3 Facelift Is Worth Waiting For