Tesla Model 3 has always been celebrated for its cutting-edge technology, impressive range, and exhilarating performance. However, with the Highland edition, Tesla has turned its focus towards refining the car’s underpinnings – a move that signals a deeper commitment to driving comfort and dynamic performance. This midcycle facelift goes beyond cosmetic changes, delving into the core engineering aspects that define the driving experience.
One of the most notable aspects of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland is its chassis and suspension improvements. These enhancements are not just about tweaking existing systems but reimagining them to elevate the vehicle’s performance and comfort to new heights. Tesla’s approach to these upgrades demonstrates a keen understanding of driver needs and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
The chassis, serving as the vehicle’s structural backbone, has received meticulous attention to ensure it not only supports the car’s electric powertrain efficiently but also enhances its overall stability and agility. Meanwhile, the suspension system, a critical component that directly impacts ride quality, has undergone significant modifications. These changes are aimed at providing a smoother, more refined driving experience, whether cruising on highways or navigating through urban landscapes.
2024 Tesla Model 3 Chassis and Suspension
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 represents a significant leap in automotive engineering, with a particular focus on enhancing the chassis and suspension systems. This comprehensive upgrade not only improves the vehicle’s performance but also elevates the overall driving experience. Let’s delve into the key aspects of these enhancements:
Softer Springs and Advanced Dampers
The introduction of softer springs and frequency-response suspension dampers is a pivotal change in the Model 3 Highland. These new springs are designed to provide a more forgiving ride, absorbing road irregularities more effectively than their predecessors. The result is a smoother, more comfortable journey, especially noticeable when traversing uneven surfaces or tackling common road imperfections.
Complementing the softer springs are the advanced frequency-response suspension dampers. This technology is a clever blend of comfort and control, adjusting the damping force based on the type of suspension input. For larger, more abrupt impacts like potholes, the dampers use a softer setting, utilizing more suspension travel to absorb the shock.
Conversely, for higher-frequency inputs such as minor road undulations, the damping becomes stiffer, reducing the small but annoying jostles that can detract from ride comfort. This intelligent system ensures that the Model 3 Highland remains composed and comfortable across a wide range of driving conditions.
Control Arm Improvements
Addressing a known issue in previous models, the 2024 Model 3 Highland features new front upper control arms. The previous cast steel arms had a vulnerability in the ball-joint housing, which could lead to water ingress and subsequent rust and noise issues. The new forged steel control arms resolve this problem with an enclosed housing design that prevents water entry.
The use of forged steel not only enhances the durability of these components but also contributes to the overall handling and stability of the vehicle. By ensuring the integrity of these critical suspension parts, Tesla has significantly improved the reliability and longevity of the Model 3 Highland’s suspension system.
Enhanced Steering Dynamics
The 2024 Model 3 Highland also sees an evolution in its steering system. It retains the variable-ratio steering rack, which has been a hallmark of the Model 3’s agile handling. This system allows for slower, more relaxed steering when driving straight, providing a sense of stability and confidence during highway cruising. As more steering input is applied, the car becomes increasingly responsive, facilitating easier maneuvering in tighter spaces like parking lots.
However, Tesla engineers have made a strategic decision to slow down the steering across the board. This means that more input is required from the driver to achieve the same turn, a change that enhances the vehicle’s predictability and stability, particularly at higher speeds. The overall steering ratio has been adjusted from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1, aiming for a more linear response and a more intuitive driving experience.
Model 3 Highland Steering and Tire Innovations
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland edition showcases significant advancements in its handling and performance capabilities. Two key areas of improvement are the redesign of the steering knuckles and the introduction of new tire selections. These enhancements contribute to a more stable, efficient, and enjoyable driving experience.
Redesigned Steering Knuckles
The Model 3 Highland features a notable redesign in its front steering knuckles. This change, though subtle in appearance, has a profound impact on the car’s handling dynamics. The primary goal of this redesign is to improve the vehicle’s stability at high speeds and enhance its braking performance. Additionally, the new steering knuckles help in reducing bump steer, a phenomenon where small steering adjustments occur involuntarily as the suspension navigates over bumps and irregularities in the road.
By moving the steering axis, Tesla engineers have managed to refine the driving experience significantly. This adjustment ensures that the vehicle remains more composed and predictable, especially under high-speed conditions or during intense braking. The reduction in bump steer also contributes to a smoother and more controlled ride, allowing the driver to maintain better command over the vehicle without the distraction of minor steering corrections.
New Tire Selection
Another critical update in the Model 3 Highland is the introduction of new standard 18-inch all-season tires. These tires are specifically designed to complement the vehicle’s performance characteristics while offering improvements in efficiency. The new Michelin Primacy All Season 235/45R-18 98W XL T0 tires replace the previous model’s Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires.
One of the standout features of these new tires is their lower rolling resistance. Lower rolling resistance means the tires require less energy to move, which can contribute to a slight improvement in the car’s driving range. This is particularly beneficial for an electric vehicle like the Model 3, where efficiency is paramount. Additionally, these tires are designed to provide a balance of performance across various driving conditions, ensuring that the Model 3 Highland remains versatile and reliable, whether navigating city streets or cruising on highways.
2024 Model 3 Bushings and Brake Design
The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Highland edition introduces thoughtful modifications in its bushing design and brake dust shield configuration. These changes, though less visible, play a crucial role in enhancing the vehicle’s comfort and efficiency. Let’s delve into how these innovations contribute to the overall driving experience.
Brake Dust Shield Design
Another intriguing update in the Model 3 Highland is the backward installation of the front brake dust shields. This unconventional design choice is not just for aesthetics, it serves a functional purpose. By installing the dust shields backward, Tesla has improved the cooling efficiency of the brakes and reduced the accumulation of debris, such as snow or small rocks, which can affect braking performance.
The orientation of these shields helps in directing airflow more effectively around the brakes, enhancing cooling during intensive use, such as during high-speed driving or in stop-and-go traffic. This improved cooling not only extends the lifespan of the brake components but also maintains consistent braking performance under various driving conditions. Additionally, the reduced debris accumulation means less maintenance and fewer issues related to brake functionality over time.
Bushing Modifications
A key area of improvement in the Model 3 Highland is the modification of bushings in both the suspension and the rear subframe. Bushings are critical components that influence a vehicle’s handling characteristics and ride comfort. They act as cushions between various suspension parts, absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road.
In the Model 3 Highland, Tesla has fine-tuned these bushings to strike a perfect balance between handling precision and ride comfort. The modifications aim to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels inside the cabin, ensuring a smoother and more serene driving experience. By adjusting the stiffness and compliance of these bushings, Tesla engineers have managed to isolate the cabin from unwanted road disturbances effectively. This results in a more refined ride, particularly noticeable when traversing over uneven surfaces or during long drives.
Conclusion
The Model 3 Highland’s improvements are holistic, addressing both the visible and the subtle aspects of the vehicle. The introduction of softer springs and advanced dampers, the recalibration of steering dynamics, and the use of new tire selections all contribute to a ride that is smoother, more stable, and more responsive.
These changes, coupled with the redesigned steering knuckles and the innovative bushing modifications, ensure that the Model 3 Highland delivers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and comfortable.
These enhancements in the Model 3 Highland are a clear indication of Tesla’s vision for the future of electric vehicles. By continuously refining and improving its models, Tesla is not just responding to customer feedback and industry trends but also setting new standards in EV design and performance.
Appears Tesla has improved the already great model 3. The major step forward I’d like to see from Tesla and all EV’s would be addressing battery pack replacement when or if needed.
Battery pack degradation occurs over time, not just cycles. The cars that have received good care and low miles over 15 to 20 years should be able to upgrade the battery pack at a reasonable cost just like gas powered vehicles do. I’m a big EV fan but believe this is the EV’s greatest vulnerability. The manufacturers have not really addressed this need. Considering the declining battery pack prices along with improvements in manufacturing technology they should be able to replace an average battery pack for less than $10,000.