Tesla has been making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market for years, and their popular Model 3 sedan has been a game-changer in the industry. Recently, rumors have been circulating about a potential refresh for the Model 3, with the project reportedly codenamed “Highland.”
While Tesla has denied any trial production of the project in China, new spy shots of the refreshed Model 3 continue to emerge, fueling speculation about what the new version will bring.
According to recent reports, new drone footage has leaked online, offering a glimpse of the interior of the coveted refreshed Tesla Model 3. This could be the first clear view of the interior of the car that has been revealed, including a new steering wheel that appears to be similar to the yoke-style steering wheel found in the Tesla Model S and Model X.
As the automotive world awaits more information on this exciting development, let’s take a closer look at what we know so far in this article.
Tesla Model 3 Project Highland Latest Reveal
A drone camera recently snapped photos of the car at the Fremont factory, revealing a clear view of part of the interior. The 2023 Model 3 facelift is predicted to feature the same stalkless steering wheel with capacitive controls as the Model S refresh.
Tesla Fremont is currently the only one plumbing out each and every Tesla trim. Therefore, getting a piece of revealing news from this place is sure to mean true for Project Highland. The video offers a tantalizing glimpse at what could be in store for the popular EV, including potential design changes and new features.
Looks like the drone operator deserves a round of applause for their sneaky skills – they managed to get a closer look at the heavily camouflaged Model 3 refresh. And for the first time, we get a glimpse of the interior too – though it’s still pretty well disguised. However, one thing that’s clearly visible is the new steering wheel, which seems to be a carbon copy of the one found in the Model S refresh, except for the area below the horn.
Will this be the future of driving or just a fancy new gadget? Only time will tell.
2023 Tesla Model 3 Facelift
Get ready, Tesla fans, because the next generation of the Model 3 is just around the corner!
While it may no longer be Tesla’s top-selling vehicle, the iconic Tesla Model 3 still holds a special place in the hearts of customers who drool over its sporty yet affordable design. And now, spy shots of a next-generation test vehicle have been spotted tearing up the track at Tesla’s Fremont facility in California.
As footage of the next-generation Model 3 being tested on the track at Tesla’s Fremont facility circulates, viewers are left in awe of its impressive performance. However, keen-eyed observers have made a critical observation that has sparked much discussion online. In the video, the driver is seen swiping upwards on the screen to select gears, instead of using the stalk that the current Model 3 employs for this purpose.
This intriguing discovery has been shared on Reddit and has garnered countless comments and upvotes, as Tesla fans speculate about what this change could mean for the next generation of the popular EV. Here’s what new news we know so far:
No Stalk Steering Wheel
Fortunately, the new steering wheel for the Model 3 Highland refresh is not expected to feature the controversial yoke design that was previously rumored. Imagine if it was a yoke design steering wheel for the most popular and awaited model refresh from Tesla.
Tesla Model 3 Refresh “Project Highland” No stalks confirmed. pic.twitter.com/32uy5MTjdO
— Cruz Patane (@NicCruzPatane) May 12, 2023
Instead, reports suggest that it will adopt Tesla’s new stalkless design, complete with capacitive buttons for functions like cruise control and turn signals.
While this change is only rumored at this point, it is one of several anticipated updates to the Model 3’s interior, which is expected to follow the design language of the updated Model S with hidden buttons and vents.
Also, the news is not taken in all positive ways, some users are saying they love the change but some are pointing out that they don’t really dig the no-stalk look.
New Tesla Model 3 Lights & Cameras
In the earlier spy shots of the popular Model 3 facelift, a more aerodynamic design was revealed, with sleeker headlights and subtler curves. The most significant change, however, is expected to be the inclusion of the Hardware 4.0 FSD kit, which has already been included in new Model S batches.
The new kit relies on higher-resolution cameras, a new computer, and updated radar wiring, making it a significant improvement over the previous version.
As we covered in our earlier post, according to all rumors and reports, the front bumper of the Model 3 refresh will include a camera, similar to the Cybertruck, that, in conjunction with the newly added side-mounted cameras, will assist drivers in parking and reduce creeping at busy intersections while in driver-assist mode.
2023 Tesla Model 3 Refresh Production To Begin Soon In China
The Tesla Model 3 has solidified its position as a top contender in the electric vehicle market, and the upcoming Highland refresh has been the subject of much anticipation and speculation. Recent rumors have suggested that production of the Highland refresh may begin as soon as June 1st, despite initial denials from Tesla China.
Now, a trusted source has come forward to confirm that Tesla is, in fact, gearing up to launch Project Highland in June. With this exciting development, Tesla fans can hardly contain their excitement as they eagerly await more news and updates about this Tesla refresh.
Speculations surrounding the production start for the Model 3 Highland refresh have been fueled by a tweet from Yan Chang (@cyfoxcat), who claimed that the Tesla factory workers in Shanghai will not be allowed to get their cell phones into the factory from June 1st.
Rumor: Starting June 1, Tesla's Shanghai factory will not allow workers to bring their cell phones into the workshop, and Model 3 Highland will begin trial production.
— Yan Chang (@cyfoxcat) May 8, 2023
This tweet has sparked a tide of excitement among Tesla fans, who are eagerly awaiting any news or updates regarding the highly-anticipated Model 3 refresh. But from supply chain disruptions to software delays to unexpected retooling setbacks, there are numerous factors that could affect the production start date.
As the rumored production start date approaches, the EV community is on the edge of its seats, eagerly anticipating any further developments. Social media is abuzz with tweets and reactions pouring in from all over the world.
Thoughts on New Tesla Model 3 Project Highland
Tesla has remained tight-lipped regarding any possible design or specification changes for the next-generation Model 3. However, sources suggest that this may soon change as production for the highly-anticipated “Project Highland” is set to ramp up in the coming year.
Despite this exciting development of improvements and news of no stalk steering wheel, it remains unclear when the vehicle will be available for purchase. One Reddit user Matt_NZ said,
“It’s like they forget that countries with roundabouts rather than 4 way stops exist. Hitting the correct indicator button when the wheel is moving/upside down seems tricky…”
Another Reddit user chewgum16 made an apt reply to the user questioning the removal of the stalk as the touchscreen controls can cause some serious issues for refreshed Tesla Model 3 drivers. He said,
I think “no stalks” is definitely the direction they’re going in. Maybe they’ll have a version with stalks prepared just in case like they did with the Model S yoke and wheel.
With Tesla fans eagerly anticipating any news or updates about the next-generation Model 3, all eyes are on the EV giant for any hints or clues about what’s to come.
While the rumored production start for the Model 3 Highland refresh is undoubtedly a significant development, it is important to note that numerous factors could potentially impact the planned timeline.
Supply chain disruptions, software delays, and unexpected retooling setbacks are just a few examples of the many variables that can impact production start dates. Therefore, while the anticipation for the refreshed Model 3 continues to build, it’s crucial to keep a realistic perspective and remain cognizant of the various potential obstacles that may arise.
Bottomline
As the anticipated launch of the Model 3 Highland refresh draws nearer, it’s worth taking a moment to remind ourselves of some of the expected updates and features. This significant redesign of the current Model 3 is expected to include several notable updates, such as striking new headlights, the removal of fog lights, and a more streamlined front fascia.
The new model is rumored to feature a new, stalkless steering wheel with capacitive buttons borrowed from the Model S refresh, along with several other interior and exterior design changes. The look does have the likes of the steering wheel of the Tesla Semi but no stalk could cause a stir among Tesla fans.
While these features have yet to be officially confirmed by Tesla, the buzz and excitement surrounding the Model 3 Highland refresh continue to grow as we await further updates.
The refresh model still is covered Let’s see what new news comes our way on the Project Highland in the coming times. Do share your views on the latest details we shared so far with you!
